Discrimination And Empowerment In Mental Health Social Work Essay

secernment And Em abilityment In Mental Health societal rick EssayThis set about leave behind firstly define what discrimination is and what it centre to differentiate against aroundthing. It leave alone indeed explain what it means to part against soulfulness or a group in social give out practice. This will be a rattling broad definition that encompasses a diversity of different service user groups. Examples will be employ to portray what discrimination may look like in social work practice and everyday life. To gain a better understand the essay will critically explore theory and mentations around cause and how power manifests in the midst of groups. This part of the essay will touch on the idea of some othering. The essay will use social constructionism theory to analyse this construct of power.The essay will then focus in on rational wellness. This part of the essay will firstly look at what a noetic health bother is and explore the stigma of being tagge d with a mental health problem. The essay will then go deeper to focus on how the western medical model can discriminate against Black and Ethnic Minority groups (BME), even if indirectly. The essay will then critically explore why BME adults, particularly men, ar overrepresented in the mental health service. Links will be made to institutional racialism and the fact that BME children are underrepresented in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).In in broadest definition, to discriminate means to differentiate or to recognise a distinction (Oxford Dictionaries 2012). In this broad sense it is a part of daily life to discriminate. For example, an adult may discriminate between lanes on a motorway and a baby will frequently discriminate between a stranger and their caregiver. Discrimination be seeded players a problem when the difference or recognised distinction is used for the basis of unsportsmanlike treatment. This is the discrimination that social workers rent t o be vigilant for.Discrimination is not always intentional (Thompson 2009) and there are various types of discrimination (EHRC 2012). Discrimination can be direct, indirect, based on the perception that someone has a cherished characteristic or discriminate against someone who is associated with a soulfulness who has a protected characteristic (EHRC 2012). The equality Act (2010) also aims to protect sight with a protective characteristic(s) from victimisation, harassment and failure to make likely adjustments (Home Office 2012). Thompsons (1997) PCS model demonstrates that discrimination is not always on a personal level and it is not just solely down to the individual. I will return to the PCS model later on in the essay. amicable workers act as mediators between service users and the state. Social workers are in a role that can potentially empower or conquer (Thompson 1997). For this reason Thompson (1997 11) argues that good practice must be anti-discriminatory practice. Al l other areas of practice could be brilliant and the social worker could have very good intentions but if the social worker cannot recognise the marginalised position of some of the people they are working with their interventions could potentially further oppress (Thompson 1997). Thompson (1997) reminds the indorser many times throughout the book that If youre not part of the dissolving agent you are part of the problem. I choose to include this because it reinforces that social workers need to challenge discrimination and take action against it. To accept it and to not swim against the tide does indeed make us part of the problem.Where does discrimination come from and why do people, institutions and systems discriminate against people? This part of the essay will critically explore the concept of power and social constructionism in congeneric to discrimination and social work. Power is defined by Haralambos and Holborn 2000 540) very generally as the ability to get your own way even when others are opposed to your wishes. This is of course a very simple definition of a complex concept. There are many models and theories around power. Thompson (1998 42) identified a common theme of the ability to influence or control people, events, processes or resources. These common themes of power all have the potential to be used destructively in social work. Social workers have the ability and power to influence and control, whether this is on an individual personal level or as a gate keeper of services or agent of control. Social workers need to be aware of power as they work with people who are marginalised and powerless in comparison people who social workers could potentially oppress and even worse, abuse.Giddens (1993) makes close links between power and inequality.EHRC equality and human rights commission., 2012. Viewed 2012.11.10 What is discrimination? online. Available from http//www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/education-providers-schools -guidance/key-concepts/what-is-discrimination/Giddens, A., 1993. Sociology (2nd ed). Cambridge PolityHaralambos, M, Holborn, M., 2000. Sociology themes and perspectives. London HarperCollins Publishers LtdHome Office., 2012. viewed 2012.11.11 Equality Act 2010 online. Available from http//www.homeoffice.gov.uk/equalities/equality-act/Oxford Dictionaries., 2012. Viewed 2012.10.19 Discriminate Online. Available from http//oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/discriminate?q=discriminateThompson, N., 1997. Anti-Discriminatory practice (2nd ed). Basingstoke Macmillan PressThompson,N., 1998. Promoting Equality challenging discrimination and burdensomeness in human services. Basingstoke Macmillan Press LtdThompson, N., 2009. Practising social work. Basingstoke Palgrave Macmillan