Equality And Diversity

Question 1

What are stereotypes?

Answer 1

• Generalisations we make about specific social groups, and members of those groups.
• ‘Rules of thumb’ - broadly correct but can be erroneous.
• Prone to emphasis on negative traits.
• Resistant to change.

Question 2

How are stereotypes formed?

Answer 2

• Knowledge is stored as mental representations, organised in schemata (groups of related information).

Question 3

What is the function of stereotypes?

Answer 3

• Save ‘processing’ power
• Environment is more predictable
• Allows anticipation
• Avoids information overload

Question 4

How can stereotypes lead to discrimination?

Answer 4

Stereotypes (cognitive component) can lead to…

prejudice (evaluative and affective component) - prejudgment often based on negative stereotypes, which can lead to…

discrimination (behavioural component).

Question 5

What is discrimination?

Answer 5

Behaving differently with people from different groups because of their group membership.

Question 6

What is sexual orientation?

Answer 6

• Term used to describe what gender you are attracted to. May be life-long from early age or vary over a lifetime.
• Sexual attraction includes feelings, behaviour and identity.
• Can change but cannot be changed.

Question 7

What is the gender binary model?

Answer 7

Male vs female

Question 8

What is the difference between gender identity and gender expression?

Answer 8

• Identity = someone’s internal perception and experience of their gender.
• Expression = the way the person lives in society and interacts with others.

Question 9

What does the term transgender mean?

Answer 9

• Umbrella term for those whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from their birth sex.
• May include: transsexuals, transvestites, cross-dressers…

Question 10

What does the term transsexual mean? How is it different to transgender?

Answer 10

• Someone who feels a consistent and overwhelming desire to transition and fulfil their life as a member of the opposite sex.
• Some undergo ‘gender reassignment’ under medical supervision.
• Many trans people do not conform to gender norms and do not wish to surgically alter their bodies to ‘fit’ either gender category.

Question 11

How and why does the LGBT population experience poorer health?

Answer 11

• High rates of anxiety, depression, smoking.

- Because of discrimination and marginalisation. What

Question 12

Give a working definition of the term culture.

Answer 12

• Defined by each person in relationship to the group(s) identified with.
• May be based on heritage as well as individual circumstances and personal choice.
• Affected by factors such as race, ethnicity, age, language, country of origin, acculturation, sexual orientation, gender, SES, religious/spiritual beliefs, physical abilities, occupation, etc.

Question 13

What does the term diversity mean?

Answer 13

• May mean diversity of ethnicity (= multiculturalism).

- Or much broader range of differences relating to individual characteristics.

Question 14

Which factors impact on the link between BME groups and poorer health?

Answer 14

1. Socio-economic status (often lower in BME than WB)
2. Access to healthcare
   
   • Cultural norms (e.g. Lower GP consultation in some Chinese groups)
   • Cultural alignment in service provision
3. Health-related behaviour (although many minority groups do ‘better’)
4. Genetic/biological factors