Discriminatory practices in health Essay

Discriminatory practice in health and social care happens for many reasons including some important factors that are normally the cause of discriminatory practice for example a person may be discriminated against because on the basis of their diversity. One important discriminatory practice is because of culture. A person’s Culture is important to them and identifies who they are in the world. It is developed within the social group they are raised in, and can change when they are mature enough to decide for their selves what culture best suit them. In addition respecting a person’s culture is important for all concerned. It’s also important for the individual because it creates a sense of support and understanding. An example of Culture discrimination in a health and social care setting is that someone from a certain culture might not be given the same amount of support and advice then someone else from another different culture. This is one regular example of culture discrimination in health and social care. Another important type of discrimination is Disability discrimination. In health and social care, you will work with and support with various disabilities. The Disability discrimination Act makes illegal to discriminate against someone who has a disability. The act covers employment, access to goods, facilities and services of organisations, education, buying and renting a property and transport services. There has to be full accessibility for anyone with a disability. The organisation anyone works for will be required by law to have a policy in place regarding disability. An example of this type of discrimination in a health and social care is that the organisation might not place the necessary equipment’s for people who a disability to gain access to the health and social care settings. Another example from a health and social care setting is that the organisation might not place a policy regard ing disability. This will be against the law and also a form of discrimination. Another important discrimination practice in health and social care is the age of an individual. Age discrimination happens when someone is treated unfavourably because of their age, without justification, or is harassed and victimised because of their age. Age discrimination also happens when someone is denied something because of their age, for example there were controversies regarding giving older people drugs because of their shorter life expectancy, due to their age. Some people have argued that the money would be better spent on drugs for younger people. This is a massive discrimination against older people. An example of age discrimination in a health and social setting is that someone might not be provided a certain service because of their old age for example if they apply for a job as a nurse they might refuse their application because of their old age. This is a type of discrimination in a lot jobs but this was an example from a health and social service. Social class is another important type in which discrimination is based upon. Our social class is apparent from the place where we live. The higher the class, the better the place is kept and maintained. This inequality has also infiltrated health and social care. For example members of the department of health publication claim that the poor are more likely to get cancer than the rich, and their chances of survival are lower too. However at the heart of human rights is the belief that everybody should be treated equally and with dignity- no matter what their circumstances might be. An example of this in a health and social care setting is that some people might not be treated the same as other people who might be wealthier than them. This might be classified as social class discrimination. Sexuality is another important type in which discrimination is based upon. Sexual orientation can refer to a person who is attracted to another person of the same sex (gay and/or lesbian), the opposite sex (heterosexual), or both sexes which is known as bisexual. Discrimination against someone due to their sexual orientation is against the law. If someone feels discriminated against due to their sexual orientation or feels they are discriminated against they can seek legal help. Family status is also another type in which discrimination is based upon. This can lead to a variety of discriminations: against gay and/or lesbian parents, single parents, parents of different genders, parents of different. Cognitive ability is also another type of discrimination. Discrimination on the grounds of cognitive ability may arise because of a brain injury, a learning disability or difficulty, or a person’s social class or education. It can be easy to discriminate against people with cognitive disabilities but care must be taken not to do so.