Describe_Discriminatory_Practice_in_Health_and_Social_Care

P2 If people are being picked on or being treatment less favourably than another person this is being discriminated against. Discrimination in any way is not acceptable behaviour. People may be discriminated because of their colour, race, age, gender and many other factors. They are different types of discrimination such as covert and overt discrimination, infringing people of their rights, abusing power of an individual and bullying. Overt discrimination This is a direct form of discrimination which is done openly without hiding it. This is where people are not treated the same. “Direct discrimination is when individuals openly discriminate against others. Words or actions are used deliberately to disadvantage another person or group of people”. (BTEC Health and Social Care Page: 8). Their choices and opportunities are limited. Treating someone less favourably than someone else because of their gender, race, colour, age, disability etc Overt discrimination such as racist remarks is a clear form of prejudice. In a healthcare setting such as a nursing home where the elderly are having a dance that had been organised and the healthcare provider excluding a particular service user from participating which can be seen clearly. Covert discrimination This is an indirect form of discrimination. “Indirect discrimination is when certain conditions are in place that show a preference for some people over others”. (BTEC National Health and Social Care Page: 8). This is done on the sly which isn’t intended to be known, seen or found out. This form is usually less obvious. For example a day centre run by a service are provider which makes a policy for no hats or any head accessories to be worn, this states clearly that people from different background cant attend example Jews. The care centre is not directly saying that Jews can’t attend but they are aware that they won’t enrol due to their beliefs. Infringement of rights Infringement means to break a rule or break the law. Infringing a service user means that they are not treated fairly or in an acceptable or legal way. Physical infringement involves restraining a service user when it isn’t necessary. Personal infringement is when the service provider gives their service user one solution to their care, rather than giving them all the possible options. It is the service provider’s responsibility to ensure service users are not infringed in any way. Abuse of power This is the act of someone using their power in an abusive way. By having power they may take advantage of someone and access to information that shouldn’t have been reachable. Blackmail may occur. In a health and social environment such as in a care home, people with learning disabilities are being made a fool of by their carer as they feel they can be disrespectful without them knowing any better. Bullying Bullying is deliberate and can be very hurtful. The person being bullied finds it difficult to defend for themselves as there is an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical which involves kicking, hitting or pushing. Verbal bullying involving name calling, threats, spreading rumours. Cyber bullying which is the use of social networking sites for example Facebook, inappropriate photographs. An example of bullying occurring in a healthcare setting may be a carer bullying a service user who has a disability and treating the service user with no respect and dignity.