P3 U2
P3: Describe the potential effects of discriminatory practice on those who use health or social care services. Discrimination has the potential to affect individuals in wide-ranging ways. In health and social care, the effects of discrimination can be catastrophic and even end in the death of a service user. Anyone planning a career in health and social care should be aware of the potential negative effects caused by discrimination. We will explore them here.
Marginalisation As you might expect, marginalisation means being pushed to the margins of society. In other words, you are unable to participate fully in the health and social care services that are available. Marginalisation can occur at both micro and macro levels. Governments have been accused of marginalising groups of the population in terms of their health and social care needs.
Disempowerment People who are discriminated against (especially by powerful groups in society such as health care professionals) are often totally disempowered. This means they are not able to take action
Individuals can be disempowered through another form of discrimination – ‘the health worker knows best’ syndrome.
Low self-esteem and self-identity If we have high self-esteem and self-worth, it means that we appreciate our own worth and value ourselves highly. Conversely then, having low self-esteem means that we feel helpless and powerless to cope and can even feel depressed.
People who are discriminated against are in real danger of developing low self-esteem, which can lead to them being unable to cope with life’s challenges and changes. This is particularly important for those individuals who have to cope with illness or changes in their social condition. If they are to cope well, they need to believe in themselves and their ability to manage, whatever situation they are in. Health care workers need to pay attention to an individual’s
Marginalisation As you might expect, marginalisation means being pushed to the margins of society. In other words, you are unable to participate fully in the health and social care services that are available. Marginalisation can occur at both micro and macro levels. Governments have been accused of marginalising groups of the population in terms of their health and social care needs.
Disempowerment People who are discriminated against (especially by powerful groups in society such as health care professionals) are often totally disempowered. This means they are not able to take action
Individuals can be disempowered through another form of discrimination – ‘the health worker knows best’ syndrome.
Low self-esteem and self-identity If we have high self-esteem and self-worth, it means that we appreciate our own worth and value ourselves highly. Conversely then, having low self-esteem means that we feel helpless and powerless to cope and can even feel depressed.
People who are discriminated against are in real danger of developing low self-esteem, which can lead to them being unable to cope with life’s challenges and changes. This is particularly important for those individuals who have to cope with illness or changes in their social condition. If they are to cope well, they need to believe in themselves and their ability to manage, whatever situation they are in. Health care workers need to pay attention to an individual’s
Bibliography: Harlow, Essex, GBR: Pearson Education Limited, 2007. p 80. Harlow, Essex, GBR: Pearson Education Limited, 2007. p 81. Harlow, Essex, GBR: Pearson Education Limited, 2007. p 82.