What type of discrimination is exemplified by favoring younger employees over older employees?

The scenario described highlights age discrimination, which occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their age, particularly if they are older. Age discrimination is often reflected in workplace policies, hiring practices, promotions, or layoffs that unjustly benefit younger employees at the expense of older ones.

This form of discrimination is particularly relevant under laws such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. Favoring younger employees over older employees clearly illustrates a bias based on age, thus falling squarely within the realm of age discrimination.

The other types of discrimination presented—gender, disability, and national origin—pertain to different protected classes and do not relate to the treatment of employees based specifically on their age.