1.1. Define the terms:
Equality: What this means is that everybody is given the kind of treatment they deserve, with their individual wants and requirements taken into account. When people are treated with equality, nobody is favoured over another, and everyone’s needs are adequately met.
For there to be true equality, people must be accommodated for their various differences in ability, belief system, sexual orientation, and so on. In a society that values equality, discrimination is not allowed, and everyone has the same opportunities regardless of their differences.
Diversity: In a diverse community, people’s unique qualities are celebrated, and service providers treat all service users with dignity and respect, regardless of their language spoken, age, nationality, religion or gender identification.
Diversity is a strength that should be celebrated and emphasised in the health and social care fields.
Inclusion occurs when a person, regardless of their background or special skills, is given full participation rights in a group or on a team. When someone is welcome aboard, it boosts their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Service users should always be put first in terms of care and choice by all health and social workers and are not to be excluded from their own care.
Discrimination: To discriminate against someone is to treat them unfairly because of their group affiliation or because of some other attribute of their identity, such as their appearance, labelling, personality, etc.
Discrimination happens when one service user gets preferential treatment over another just because of the race they belong, how they look, or due to their sexual orientation.
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