Equality and Diversity:

Resource for Level 4 students

Carnegie Faculty Group for Equality and Diversity

Contact: a.stride@leedsmet.ac.uk

Session aims:

To:

Recognise diversity within own group Appreciate difference and diversity Explore the value of diversity in employment Explore issues of prejudice and discrimination Encourage awareness and respect Recognise own responsibility Recognise acceptable behaviour, language and terminology

Key terms: What do they all mean?

Equity

Equality

Diversity

Difference

Discrimination

Prejudice

Discrimination

All will become clear!

Activity 1:Diversity bingo

Use the bingo sheet to collect as many names

from your group as possible

Activity 2:Different differences!

What other differences might distinguish us, that weren’t included on the bingo sheet?

Why didn’t we ask these questions?

Why are they still sensitive topics?

What does this say about modern society?

What will you take away from this activity?

In small groups, discuss the following …..

Difference Differences are more than race, class, gender,

disability, sexuality

Differences are not always visible

We are all different in different ways

Some differences matter more than others

This can cause some people to be discriminated against

How did this activity make you feel?

Why?

What/ who makes something different?

Activity 3:In fours, discuss something about yourself

that you feel makes you different

Why is appreciating difference important?

1. Think of all the people you meet? Through Uni, work, family, sport, friends

2. How do they differ?

3. What do these differences and diversity bring?

4. What are the benefits of being surrounded by different people?

Why is appreciating difference useful in employability? Organisations have a legal obligation! More and more organisations recognise the value of being seen as

one that values diversity – enhances reputation Enhanced reputation can attract new staff and customers Maximise potential of work force - Valued staff = lower staff turnover

and increased productivity If employees feel valued this often affects customer relations

positively Proactive approach to identifying untapped customer markets –

financial gain Attracting wider talent pool of staff enhances creativity, innovation

and improves decision making by engaging diverse views to help overcome unquestioning conformity – less errors

DiversityPositive aspect of difference

Celebrates difference

People feeling like their differences are positively valued

“Diversity is the mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values, beliefs as assets to the groups and organisations with

which they interact” (Challenge Consultancy)

But, negative side of this …..

Activity 4: Prejudice

What is it? Pre judging Making assumptions based

on partial information Can take many forms Start of discrimination

Where does prejudice come

from? Significant others (parents,

peers) Education Lack of experiences Media Popular culture Social networks

Activity 4:Reflect on recent news items. How might these

foster prejudice?

Activity 5: First impressions:

A B

E

C

F

D

G H

Who may be discriminated against on the grounds of

…..Sexuality Ethnicity Health Disability Religion Gender

What has this activity taught us?

Not all differences are easily visible

Prejudice strongly linked to stereotypes

Small group discussion:1.Where have these stereotypes come from? 2.Do you believe them? 3.What do you base these beliefs on? 4.Can you back up what you believe? 5.What evidence have we that counteracts these stereotypes?

So how are prejudice and stereotypes linked?

Where does discrimination fit in?

Can you mind map the relationship between discrimination, prejudice, stereotypes and oppression?

How do they all differ? Can you provide examples

for each of them?

Activity 6: Discussion forum

Discrimination, equality and equity

Discrimination:Prejudice plus action

Equality: The state of being equal in terms of rights, treatment, value but recognising that different individuals and groups have fewer opportunities and access than others, with attempts made to redress these imbalances

Equity:Acknowledges that true equality is impossible in current system but still attempts to strive for it

The Oppression Cycle

StereotypeStereotypeMessages

PrejudicePrejudiceThoughts

DiscriminationDiscriminationAction

OppressionOppressionSystem

PowerPower

Challenging the Oppression Cycle

StereotypeStereotypeMessages

PrejudicePrejudiceThoughts

DiscriminationDiscriminationAction

OppressionOppressionSystem

PowerPower

MonitoringReview

PoliciesProceduresGuidelines

Sharing powerRepresentationConsultation

TrainingPositive imagesChallenging

Levels of discrimination(Thompson’s model 2001)

StructuralCulturalPersonal*

Structural

Cultural

Personal

?(1) Language

(2) Judgements

(4) Avoidance

How might we personally discriminate?

(3) Stereotyping

Activity 7: Language

Activity 7a: Taking responsibility?

In small groups, choose a group that is typically discriminated against

Mind map some terms associated with these

groups

What are your thoughts on these terms? How do

you think these make people feel?

Can YOU do anything about this language?

Activity 7b: Taking responsibility?

In small groups, read the following conversation overhead around Uni

What are your thoughts on this? Is

this acceptable?

Who might this affect? How might it make

them feel?

Can YOU do anything about it?

Activity 7c: Taking responsibility?

In small groups, review the list of commonly used

terms for some groups

Individually, reflect on whether these are fine, dodgy or awful to use

Discuss your answers as a group and try to reach a consensus

What alternatives might YOU use?

?

(3) Take personal responsibility for change

What lessons can we take away?

(2) Think before you speak(1) Step out of your bubble!

• Challenge own thinking

• Reflect on stereotypes

• Don’t judge on first impressions

(4) How can I use this in the future?

• Vital employability skills

• Enhance CV

• Better team player

Conclusions Differences not always visible Importance of taking personal responsibility Clear links to professionalism and employability Student regulations http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/metoffice/gov/student_regulations.htm

Thank you