Vulnerable communities

Question 1

define discrimination

Answer 1

Prejudging a person based on a stereotype and then acting on that prejudgement to limit their rights or opportunities

In short: prejudgement + action

Question 2

define the term stereotype

Answer 2

A widely held belief about a particular social group that is an over-generalisation and which is resistant to correction despite the facts [i.e. hardened generalisations]

Stereotypes can be positive, neutral or negative

Question 3

define social inequality

Answer 3

Where one group or community has access to more opportunities and ‘outcomes’ in society than another

Question 4

What are the two main types of bias that affect police?

Answer 4

1. Confirmation bias - favouring info that confirms our suspicions
2. Anchoring bias - being overly influenced by the first bit of information we hear

Question 5

What are the main barriers to effective communication?

Answer 5

1. Language barriers
   - non-english speaking
   - intoxication
   - intellectual disability
2. Environmental barriers
   - background noise
   - distractions
   - inability to view their face / body language
3. Inclusion barriers
   - jargon / technical terms
   - failure to build rapport
   - stereotypes / prejudice
   - gendered terms
   - age specific terms
4. cultural barriers
   - unfamiliarity with cultural protocols/practices
   - variation in how words as well as body language / paralanguage are used and interpreted

Question 6

What are some additional considerations when communicating with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People (CALD)?

Answer 6

• clear articulation
• seeking feedback
• interpreters
• avoiding jargon
• communicate at their level (simple language)
• reframe questions/comments when needed
• awareness of own biases/assumptions
• cultural rules and protocols

Question 7

define prejudice

Answer 7

A negative stereotype