The distinction is simple: prejudice is a thought or attitude; discrimination is the expression of that thought or attitude. However, prejudice does NOT automatically lead to discrimination. There is no one-to-one relationship. Prejudice can exist without discrimination, and discrimination can occur without prejudice. The two are related, but not in a strong causal relationship. Also, the institutions of society can discriminate (institutional discrimination) even though the agency is not staffed by people with prejudices.
ETHICAL CULTURE. ETHICAL CULTURE, a movement dedicated to the ethical improvement of society and the ethical growth of the individual, was inaugurated with the founding of the New York Society for Ethical Culture in May 1876 by Felix Adler and a group of his Jewish supporters.
Differences in moral practices across cultures raise an important issue in ethics -- the concept of ethical relativism.. Ethical relativism is the theory that holds that morality is relative to the norms of one's culture. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced.