For the purpose of this essay, during the first part we will explore the meaning of discrimination and oppression within society.

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INTRODUCTION

For the purpose of this essay, during the first part we will explore the meaning of discrimination and oppression within society. The importance of anti-discriminatory practice will be discussed followed by an introduction and explanation of the PCS model of analyses devised by Thompson (1993); this is used to highlight discrimination and oppression on three different levels. A specified group of service users will be focussed upon and by using the Thompson PCS model of analyses the different levels of discrimination and oppression they may experience within society will be explored. Finally possible ways of working in partnership and empowering these service users will be discussed. Due to the limited time and word count of this essay it is only possible to begin to touch on this subject, but the foundations for understanding oppression and discrimination with methods of a way forward to an anti-discriminatory practice will be present.

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We live in a supposedly equal society, however it is apparent that our society is only equal in theory, in reality divisions are created by the social status of individuals based on factors such as age, health, income, ethnicity, sexuality and gender. In any society there are differences between people and people are categorised within society by their differences, the three major ways society is divided are class, gender and race. There are however further sub divisions on the basis of other factors such as disability, age and sexual orientation. (Walsh et al, 2000)

It is of particular significance society attributes to these differences by defining people and their roles on the basis of differences that individual groups experience oppression and marginalisation, as the power, status and opportunities people have in society are affected by how society defines them. The roles and expectations society applies to different categories of people is absorbed on a cultural level within society,

creating common values about what is right, what is ‘normal’. This creates perceptions of social norms. In our society those most likely to achieve success are able bodied, white, middle class, heterosexual males they will therefore be the group who occupy the most powerful positions in society and as such reap the benefits and rewards of a capitalist society, monetary wealth and the benefits that it brings. This inherent bias in our society is apparent in the dominance of these white, middle class, males in the areas of politics, finance and the high ranks of the military. (Adams et al, 1998)

All groups defined, as outside the white, middle class, male will experience a corresponding lack of power and influence. Although there are innate differences

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between people at birth, it is our social structure that determines the distribution of power; influence and life chances can thus effect the development of people’s

 potential abilities. On a personal level we internalise the common values and the concepts of social norms of our culture, our individual thoughts, feelings and actions reflect these values and norms. Discrimination is an accepted norm within society. It is a method used to identify differences, which can lead to unfair and unequal treatment. Thompson (1993, p31) states that: “this does not occur at random it follows a clear social pattern in terms of class, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and so on.” Recurring discrimination leads to oppression. Thompson (1998, p10) says this is: “inhuman or degrading treatment of individuals or groups; hardship and injustice brought about by the dominance of one group over another, the negative and demanding exercise of power. Oppression often involves disregarding the rights of an individual or group and is a denial of citizenship.”

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To fully comprehend discrimination and oppression within society on different levels and to truly begin to work toward an anti discriminatory practice Thompson introduced the PCS model. There are three levels to be observed these very often over lap and are embedded within each other.

Thompson (1993, p19) states that:

 “P refers to the personal or psychological; it is the individual level thoughts, feelings, attitudes and actions. It also refers to practice, individual workers interacting with individual clients, and prejudice, the inflexibility of mind, which stands in the way of fair and non – judgmental practice. C refers ...

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