Introduction to Inclusive Practice in Social Work - Essay Example

Discrimination, Oppression and Promotion of Inclusive Practice Discrimination, Oppression and Promotion of Inclusive PracticeDiscrimination and oppression have been in existence throughout man’s history. Discrimination has to do with the treatment of people based on their memberships or relations with a particular group. It can range from harmless prejudice to utter evil. One example of discrimination can be the tendency of a company to hiring female workers only while their male counterparts are equally qualified.

On the other hand, oppression is usually cruel and long-lasting. It is practiced by the powerful against the weak in the society. Colonization of nations by other countries is one good example of oppression that was characterized with cruelty on the subjects and sanctions against governments. Sociologists hold that the emotionality in discrimination and oppression results from the intuitive attitudes and personalities that give people feelings and thoughts of inadequacy or superiority. By using the less fortunate people as the scapegoats, the privileged parties can do whatever they want at the expense of the minority.

Their attitudes and personalities of superiority dictate what goes on in the society. The feeling of superiority, for example, makes one hate and discriminate particular groups of people such as the minority. In turn, the minorities acquire the feelings of inadequacy from subsequent mistreatments and eventually accept their disadvantaged state in the society. Social scientists also identify socialization as another key factor to discrimination and oppression. Many forms of discrimination are passed on from parents, relatives, and friends.

People tend to learn on what it takes to discriminate against others from their social circles. The media are another way through which people socialize. Movies and television usually perpetuate demeaning stereotypes and images about assorted groups in the society. They show how women, the elderly, ethnic minorities and gays are mistreated. One then learns that it serves no wrong to do the same against the perceived unfortunate groups. Ethnocentrism is one the main factors that lead to discrimination and oppression.

With ethnocentrism, one tends to assess other’s cultures from one’s own cultural values and norms. People tend to value what they know and their cultures, and disregard the cultures of others. Ethnocentrism also leads to suspicion where one cannot trust people from outside their cultures and norms. The stereotypical thinking is the one behind the various instances of racial and ethnic discriminations. An American firm can, for example, refuse to employ Asians on the basis of their ethnicity.

The management may think of Asians as incompetent or be suspicious of them, as a result, discrimination builds up.Another factor that leads to discrimination and oppression is competition particularly for economic gains. Social studies show that oppression is likely to arise when there is competition for resources by two parties. The privileged, for example, must by all means eliminate any competition that arises from the minority for them retain their distinctive power, possessions and social status.

They can resort to the use of acts of violence as they try to protect their interests. What results thereafter are instances of oppression and discrimination. There are various strategies that can be used to promote inclusive practice. First, the state can put in place an appropriate education system. Education has the potential to change how people think. Secondly, the government can also bring people from various diversities together through discussion forums where they can learn to respect and appreciate other’s backgrounds.

Lastly, the state can make use of the legal hypothesis. It can enact and enforce laws that will quell the oppressive and discriminative behaviors.