1.1. Define the terms:
Equality
The act of treating people fairly and placing value on such people or individuals is what is meant by equality. Supporting the rights of individuals and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities to develop or improve their standard of living are both possible interpretations of this term.
To put it another way, equality refers to the act of treating people in the same manner, regardless of factors such as their age, colour, or gender. Additionally, it refers to the condition of being on an equal footing with others, particularly in terms of position, rights, or opportunities.
Diversity
Diversity can be broadly understood to refer to the range of differences between people in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Diversity is often used to describe the composition of a population, but it can also refer to the range of experiences and perspectives within a population.
In health and social care, diversity is often used to describe the need to provide services that are responsive to the needs of a wide range of individuals and communities. This includes ensuring that services are accessible to all and that they take into account the differing needs of different groups. It also involves promoting equality and tackling discrimination.
Inclusion
Inclusion is more than the act including or involving people from a range of diverse social and cultural backgrounds, as well as of different genders, sexual orientations, etc. Aspects of inclusion that are not typically linked with the phrase include the ability to make a meaningful contribution to society, being encouraged to feel valued, and having an effect on one’s sense of well-being.
It is the practice or position of incorporating those who would otherwise be excluded, such as persons from underrepresented groups or people with physical or mental impairments. Examples of people who fall under this category are disabled people and people from underrepresented groups.
Discrimination
Discrimination is the practise of treating members of different groups of people in an unequal manner. To put it another way, it is the practise of treating individual people or groups of people in an unfair, unjust, or unequal manner. It is also the process of distinguishing individuals from one another on the basis of the groups, classes, or other categories to which they belong or are thought to belong.
People might be unfairly treated for a multitude of factors, including their sex, gender, religion, or even the colour of their skin. It is one of the factors that contributes to the continued existence of the many types of discrimination that are outlined in the Equality Act of 2010.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2. Explain how rights are promoted in health and social care services.
- 1.3. Discuss ethical dilemmas that may arise when balancing individual rights and duty of care
- 2.1. Explain how to promote equality and support diversity.
- 2.2. Describe how to challenge those not working inclusively in a way that promotes change
- 2.3. Explain how to support others in promoting equality and rights
- 3.1. Summarise legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity, inclusion and discrimination.
- 4.1. Evaluate the role of the health and social care practitioner in meeting individuals’ needs through inclusive practice