The school announced that female students must be at least 1.58 meters tall and male students at least 1.65 meters tall to be considered for admission this year, the report added. It also mentioned that certain exceptional cases will be accepted as well. 

This policy not only raises ethical concerns but also sheds light on a broader issue: the impact of height-based prejudices on individuals’ self-esteem and professional opportunities. 

Impact on career aspirations and long-term economic opportunities

As societies grapple with evolving notions of inclusivity and equality, the persistence of physical requirements in various settings challenges our progress. Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist at Cadabam’s MindTalk agrees that height-based requirements in professional settings can have “far-reaching consequences for an individual’s career trajectory and long-term economic well-being.”  

By arbitrarily limiting access to certain careers based on height, these requirements can create a significant barrier to entry for otherwise qualified individuals. This limitation not only narrows career choices but also has the potential to lead to underemployment, a situation where individuals are forced to accept positions below their skill level due to a lack of suitable alternatives.

She adds, “Underemployment, in turn, often results in lower salaries and reduced job satisfaction, as individuals may feel unchallenged or undervalued in their roles. Moreover, height discrimination can create an invisible barrier to career advancement, commonly referred to as a glass ceiling.”

Psychological impact of height discrimination

Height discrimination is not merely a matter of physical stature; it can have profound psychological consequences, stresses Parashar. Repeated exposure to height-based biases and exclusion can lead to a “range of negative emotions”, including “inadequacy, shame, and low self-esteem.” These feelings can extend beyond the workplace and permeate various aspects of life, including social interactions, romantic relationships, and overall self-perception.

In the workplace, she says, height discrimination can foster a hostile environment, resulting in decreased productivity, withdrawal from social interactions, and a general lack of confidence.

International laws or regulations that address height-based discrimination

Parashar reveals, “The legal landscape surrounding height discrimination varies significantly across the globe. While several countries have enacted laws to protect individuals from discrimination based on physical attributes, including height, the effectiveness of these laws is often limited.”

In some cases, enforcement mechanisms are weak, or the laws contain loopholes that allow height-based discrimination to persist under the guise of “job-related requirements.” Moreover, even in countries with robust legal frameworks, deeply ingrained societal attitudes and biases can be slow to change. 

Cultural attitudes towards height in India

“In India, the cultural perception of height is nuanced and multifaceted,” says Parashar. While height may not be a primary factor in traditional social hierarchies, it does hold some significance in specific contexts. 

For instance, certain regions or communities may associate taller stature with desirability, particularly in the context of marriage. However, these cultural biases are gradually evolving, and height is increasingly becoming less of a determining factor in social interactions and relationships.

Parashar notes, “The implementation of height-based requirements in professional settings in India could face challenges due to the country’s diverse cultural landscape. There might be significant resistance from individuals who view such requirements as discriminatory and unnecessary.”