Unit name: Equality and inclusion in care settings
Learning outcome: 2. Be able to work in an inclusive way
Assessment criteria: 2.3 Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages change
Some people are afraid to speak out against discrimination because they don’t want to be seen as a troublemaker. They worry that speaking up will only make things worse.
But it’s important for everyone to take a stand when someone is being treated unfairly, even if you are not the person being discriminated against. When individuals challenge prejudice in their own workplace and communities, they create opportunities for change.
Some ways that discrimination can be challenged positively include:
- speaking out against discrimination
- not ignoring discrimination
- reporting any discriminatory behaviour to your manager
In many cases, discrimination may not be deliberate and so educating the person about their behaviour can help. You should try to remain compassionate and non-judgmental and do this in a way that does not cause embarrassment, for example, by speaking to the individual privately. This is a good way to start the conversation and may lead to understanding, or at least awareness of any errors in judgment.