The Concept of Equality, Diversity and Rights in Relation to Health and Social Care

The concept of equality, diversity and rights in relation to health and social care  


Equality means creating a fair society with equal opportunity and no one being unfairly disadvantaged. Equality is the current term for “Equal Opportunities”. It is based on the legal obligation to comply with anti-discrimination legislation. Equality protects people from being discriminated against on the grounds of group membership i.e. Sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or age. Health and social care services should meet the needs of people from all backgrounds. You should not be treated less favorably than anyone else because of your religion or belief, or because you have no religion or belief. This is why equality is very important in relation to health and social care, everybody is equal in value. This goes both ways for the patient and the health professional.
Harassment is an unwanted behavior related to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, offensive or degrading environment for that person.
Stereotype is an oversimplified false or generalized assumption about a particular group or person and believing the assumption to be true.
Bullying is an offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behavior, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate or injure the recipient.

Diversity literally means difference. Diversity recognizes that though people have things in common with each other, they are also different and unique in many ways. Diversity is about recognizing and valuing those differences. By recognizing and understanding our individual differences and embracing them, and moving beyond simple tolerance, we can create a productive environment in which everybody feels valued.
When it is used as a contrast or addition to equality, it is about recognizing individual as well as group differences,...