Legal perspectives on anti-discriminatory practice
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should understand the legislation that underpins anti-discriminatory practice and to what extent it actually succeeds in supporting the professional value base.
Social workers frequently intervene in situations affected by social disadvantage and inequality. This article, written by Michael Preston-Shoot and Suzy Braye and based on material from their chapter 'Frameworks for partnership working' in Practising Social Work Law, 3rd edition (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009), explores the extent to which the professional values that underpin such work are supported by the law. Issues of race, culture, sexuality, gender, disability and age are all considered.
Reflective Questions
- How committed do you feel towards anti-discriminatory practice? What factors do you think are contributing to your commitment?
- Do you feel the law effectively supports anti-discriminatory practice?
- What action would you take if you felt your agency was discriminating against a service user?