impact of dicriminatory practice

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Introduction

The purpose of this essay is to evaluate the impact of discriminatory practice on work with children and investigate the ways in which the needs of children can be met through a range of anti-discriminatory practices.

This essay will include the following information:

  • An overview of discriminatory and non-discriminatory practice
  • An evaluation of the impact of discriminatory practice on children
  • An exploration of how practitioners can meet children’s needs by using non-discriminatory practice
  • Examples of good practice seen whilst on placement

To complete this, a range of resources will be used including:

- Internet

- Journals

- Books

- E-books

- News articles

What is discriminatory and Anti-discriminatory Practice?

There are many different definitions of the above that can be used:

Any prejudice view or diverse treatment because of race, colour, creed, or national origin” (www.surestart.gov.uk) is seen as discriminatory practice along with

 “Not encouraging or approving or pleasing” (http://www.iadb.org).

According to Lindon (2004 p128) “Discrimination means behaving in an unfair way towards a person because of the way we have judged them.”

There are two types of discrimination:

Direct discrimination:

This is treating someone unfairly compared to someone else in the same or similar circumstances; it could be as a result of their sex, race, marital status, disability, or age for example.

Indirect discrimination:

This when you are discriminated against in general because of a generalization that has been made without taking in each person’s situation into account.

In order to challenge discrimination several laws, code of conducts and policies are in place.

Discriminating against someone can be in the forms of labelling, stereotyping and oppression and all must be challenged immediately. (Miche.V 2004:128)

Anti-discriminatory practice will ensure that “everyone has the same rights regardless of things such as family background, appearance, lifestyle, gender, race or medical history.” (Tassoni et al. 2000:11)

In order to promote equality and anti discrimination early educators must follow relevant legislation, curriculum frameworks and official guidance.

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In place in many schools and childcare settings are Code of Conducts and polices to prevent discrimination. Examples of which are:

  • www.whyteleafe.surrey.sch.uk/equal%20oppportunities%20policy%20feb%202004.pdf

Within the policies and legislation are guidelines, which illustrate to practitioners how to practice anti-discriminatory behaviour within the setting. Educators must also look at their own experiences of discrimination and encourage others to not discriminate on any grounds.

  • The impact of discriminatory practice on children

The impact of discrimination on children can range from a slight impact to a ...

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