1.2. Describe the effects of discrimination | RQF Level 3

1.2. Describe the effects of discrimination

Course – Level 3 diploma in care (RQF)

Unit 4 – Equality and Inclusion in Care Settings

L.O 1 – Understand the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion

Discrimination in any care environment has many serious and widespread considerations for individuals, communities, and organisations, affecting the mental, physical, social, and economic well-being of all involved. It is important to understand the effects of discrimination to facilitate equality, diversity, and inclusion in care settings. 

Psychological Impact: Discrimination in care can have a considerable negative psychological impact. Many people will go through, or witness, discrimination, and this can cause them great emotional harm. They may feel fear, anxiety, depression, and helplessness as a result of receiving unfair treatment. Long-term discrimination can lead to feelings of diminished self-worth, where people begin to believe the negative messages that they receive and see themselves as less valuable. This psychological impact can hinder personal growth and erode trust in care systems and institutions, making it difficult for people to seek or accept support and care.

Physical Health Impacts: Physically, discrimination creates lasting stress, which is associated with many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and compromised immune functioning. Stress and feelings of anxiety that result from discrimination will worsen existing physical health issues and may cause new health issues, including mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Social and Relational Consequences: Socially, discrimination creates isolation and exclusion. Victims of discrimination often self-isolate to limit their interaction with others to avoid further unfair treatment, which leads to loneliness and a lack of social support. This self-isolation detracts from their socialisation and development and hinders their experience of life in general. In the workplace environment, discrimination results in low morale, low motivation, and high turnover, which can affect the productivity of the   and the quality of the person-centred care provided.

Institutional and Systemic Effects:  Discrimination also reinforces systemic inequities and barriers to accessing education, employment, healthcare, and other important resources. If a person or a group is subjected to discriminatory practices, they often find themselves at an economic disadvantage, which may lead to generational cycles of poverty and fewer opportunities. Discrimination causes division and tension in communities, making it harder for people to work together and move forward

Ethical and Human Rights Implications: Discrimination is an ethical and legal breach of human rights principles, as it denies individuals equal treatment and protection of the law. Care professionals share a duty to acknowledge and respond to discrimination to give fair and dignified care while improving the situation for everyone receiving care. 

In conclusion, discrimination in care settings affects mental and physical well-being and health, decreases opportunities for social inclusion and economic access to opportunities for future generations, and impairs organisational outcomes. It is important to address discrimination through education and training, support services, and inclusive policies that promote a respectful, safe, and equitable care environment that acknowledges the unique needs of each individual.