Discrimination and Children Essay

Diversity means the differences between individuals and groups in society arising from gender, ethnic origins, social, cultural or religious background, family structure, disabilities, sexuality and appearance. Diversity is more often perceived as a problem when it really should contribute to the community by strengthening relations between human beings. SHC33. 1 pc[1. 1b] – equality Equality means provision of equal access to opportunities and having the same rights as others. Each child needs to be treated as an individual and in this way people caring for it will be able to promote their right of having access to equality of opportunity and of being treated with equal concern. In this way children are able to progress along the pathway of development and learning. Equality of opportunity means that each individual in society experiences opportunities to achieve and flourish which are as good as the opportunities experiences by other people. Equal concern means taking as much care to promote the opportunities and progress of one child as you do for any other child. SHC33. 1 pc[1. 1c] – inclusion. Inclusion represents a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging. All settings should work towards inclusion, as applying it means that the setting promotes positive aspects of diversity and offers children equal chances in life. SHC33. 1 pc[1. 2] Describe the potential effects of discrimination. Discrimination means treating someone less or more favourably than other people, because they or their family are seen as belonging to a particular group in society. Discrimination can be classified in open discrimination (sexual and racial harassment) and covert or indirect discrimination (favouring one group over another – this often prevents individuals from participating fully in society because of hidden or unspoken rules). The most common bases of discrimination are: 1. Ethnicity/race (based on an individual’s ethnic/racial background) 2. Gender (based on the sex/gender of the individual) 3. Disability (based on an individual having a disability) 4. Social situation (based on social status) 5. Cultural (based on deference in cultural values) Prejudice is a judgement or opinion, often negative, of a person or group, made without careful consideration or accurate relevant information, which may lead to the view that some people are inferior to, or of less worth or significance. Examples of assumptions causing prejudice: Some people are of less value, or inferior to, or of less worth or significance than others (defined by skin colour, gender, impairment, sexuality, appearance); Some people are less capable than others; One culture/religion or social group is superior to another If a family is not a two-parent nuclear family, with parents of different genders and the same ethnicity, it is not â€Å"normal†. Prejudice leads to discrimination. Effects of discrimination in children can be seen as damaged self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence on the psychic side. Effects on health could lead to particularly mental health such as anxiety or depression. Effects on education could lead to not achieving full potential at school, leading to difficulties in gaining employment. Long term prospects of effects on education could mean getting trapped in a cycle of poverty due to poor education and employment opportunities. Relationship difficulties could lead to difficulties in socialising and forming healthy relationships. The potential effects of discrimination can be different for different people. The effects can be physical, emotional or a combination of both. For example children with disabilities may not be given a chance to join in with activities due to others thinking that their disability prevents them from being able to do so. This will make the child feel very different from others.