Will a free market tend to encourage or discourage discrimination?

A free market can both encourage and discourage discrimination, depending on the context. On one hand, competition may incentivize businesses to hire the best talent regardless of personal characteristics, thus reducing discrimination. However, if consumer preferences or societal biases favor certain groups, businesses might cater to those biases, leading to discriminatory practices. Ultimately, the impact of a free market on discrimination largely depends on the prevailing cultural and societal norms.