BTEC Health & Social Care Award Unit 2: Equality, Diversity and Rights

Equality, Diversity and Rights Learning objective To understand the effects of discrimination on service users in Health and Social Care

Equality, Diversity and Rights As discussed earlier, discrimination can occur against any individual or group who is different from the dominant and prevailing norm in that situation.

Equality, Diversity and Rights As discussed earlier, discrimination can occur against any individual or group who is different from the dominant and prevailing norm in that situation. With that in mind, it is useful to remember that, given the right circumstances, the potential for each of us to experience discrimination is there.

Equality, Diversity and Rights On what basis do people discriminate?

Equality, Diversity and Rights On what basis do people discriminate? Our society is made up of groups of people.

Equality, Diversity and Rights On what basis do people discriminate? Our society is made up of groups of people. We gain our identity from membership of these groups.

Equality, Diversity and Rights On what basis do people discriminate? Our society is made up of groups of people. We gain our identity from membership of these groups. The groups may be formed by our genetics, our culture our religion; or by pressure from family and peers; or due to our own choices.

Equality, Diversity and Rights Within any society, there will be dominant groups who are more powerful and influential than others.

Equality, Diversity and Rights Within any society, there will be dominant groups who are more powerful and influential than others. ‘Others’ ‘In’ Group ‘Others’

Equality, Diversity and Rights The main group’s power and influence dominates society. Their views become the norm against which all others are measured.

Equality, Diversity and Rights The main group’s power and influence dominates society. Their views become the norm against which all others are measured.

Equality, Diversity and Rights If others are deemed acceptable by the dominant group's views, they can be integrated.

Equality, Diversity and Rights All those individuals who do not hold the dominant views or conform to the norm, may be subjected to ridicule, unfair treatment and discrimination.

Equality, Diversity and Rights This process, sometimes called ‘othering’ creates a barrier between the dominant norm group and those outside.

Equality, Diversity and Rights This process, sometimes called ‘othering’ creates a barrier between the dominant norm group and those outside. The idea that the dominant group is superior and the only ‘right way’ to do things emerges.

Equality, Diversity and Rights This process, sometimes called ‘othering’ creates a barrier between the dominant norm group and those outside. The idea that the dominant group is superior and the only ‘right way’ to do things emerges. In the UK, the most powerful group are white, middle class, employed, heterosexual, married, C of E males.

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Culture

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Culture Fear Acceptable behaviour Lack of knowledge Regional differences Unwritten rules ‘The way we do things’

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Disability

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Disability Medical model of normality Disabled hidden away ‘Deviant’ people committed ‘Less important’ Terminations Poor access to education and medicine Assumptions of ability

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Age

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Age Both younger and older Legal ages ‘Belonging’ to parents Homogenous groups Negative images ‘out of control’ ‘past it’ Incapable Forced retirement Medical access

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Social class

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Social class Determined by occupation Family background Determines access to education Access to healthcare Different accommodation Opportunities Barriers to some occupations

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Gender

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Gender Control by men ‘the natural order’ Teachings of world religions Needs less important Rights Pressure to conform to mother/wife role Workplace inequality

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Sexuality

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Sexuality Founded in religious belief Other expressions viewed as ‘deviant’ Hidden from public Considered a private matter Fear and prejudice, AIDS crisis Violent attacks Civil partnerships

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Health status

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Health status Pressure on healthcare Personal responsibility Disregard of advice Unhealthy behaviours Access to treatment HIV status Mental health needs

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Family status

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Family status Single parents Same sex marriages Welfare benefits Judging mothers, not absent fathers Access to opportunities Financial difficulty

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Cognitive ability

Equality, Diversity and Rights Bases of discrimination: Cognitive ability Learning disabilities Mental health issues ‘Unpredictable/unreasonable’ Talked over, ignored Assumptions from speech/actions ‘Can’t manage own affairs’ Decisions taken against their will

Equality, Diversity and Rights Discriminatory practice: when someone discriminates in the absence of personal knowledge or understanding of the individual, but on a socially constructed, stereotypical view which has been influenced and reinforced by prejudice. Examples of discriminatory practice are: Infringement of rights

Equality, Diversity and Rights Examples of discriminatory practice: Infringement of rights Covert or overt abuse of power Prejudice Stereotyping Labelling Bullying Abuse

Equality, Diversity and Rights Effects of discrimination: Marginalisation Disempowerment Low self-esteem and self-identity Restricted opportunities Negative behaviours

Equality, Diversity and Rights Read Alan’s story, taking note of the terms used to describe the effects of discriminatory practice. Write about the effects of discriminatory practice in: Access to infertility treatment Placing older people in care Or A case study of your choice (check with tutor)

Equality, Diversity and Rights Can you think of an example of discriminatory practice you have witnessed in school? What is meant by the self-fulfilling prophecy? What could you do as a health or social care worker to minimise discrimination?