Tackling Inequalities in Children, Young People and their Families
• To introduce the module topics and learning outcomes, including formative and summative assessments •To consider what we mean by (in) equality and which groups may experience inequality • To discuss how different social groups and individuals are portrayed within society •To start to explore the ways in which inequality affects people Session 1
LO1 Appraise issues of inequalities when working with children, young people and their families LO2 Apply theories and concepts of inequality when developing high quality provision for children, young people and their families LO3 Reflect on your own value system and professional goals relating to tackling inequalities when working with children, young people and their families. Module Learning Outcomes
Familiarise yourself with the module guide. This provides the framework for the module. Ensure that all activities and reading is completed. The topic ‘Tackling Inequality’ is broad and intense; you will need to undertake a substantial quantity of independent, reading. Follow the assignment brief to support your assessment submission. In order to succeed
Let’s talk about assessments!
Week 7 LO3 In class paired written activity (Laptops/Tablets can be used) Mind mapping exercise of critically reflective practice Focus on values providing a framework for our thoughts Identify future professional goals in relation to working with children and families in partnership with other professionals across a range of agencies Formative Assessment based on Learning Outcome 3 (LO3)
Prepare a written assignment of 2,500 words. Due on Monday 8 Jan 2024 (2pm), to review ONE of the following publications: (i) Chowbey , P., Garrick, R., and Harrop , D. (2015) ‘Preparing ethnic minority children for starting primary school: Integrating health and education’ Better Health Briefing 35, London: Race Equality Foundation OR (ii) Cooke, G. (2015) ‘Ideas to tackle poverty for the long term: An IPPR approach to reducing poverty’ London: Joseph Rowntree Foundation OR (iii) Loveday, V. (2015) ‘Working-class participation, middle-class aspiration? Value, upward mobility and symbolic indebtedness in higher education’ The Sociological Review 63(3) pp. 570 - 588 Full guidance will be provided Please note all submissions to be uploaded to Canvas Summative Assessment
Tackling Inequalities Poverty is inextricably linked to persistent inequality. Throughout this module, you will consider the impact of poverty upon minority social groups. This module will help to inform you about the range of working roles that are involved in supporting children, families and communities The module explores the ethical perspectives adopted by different professional agencies and critiques these perspectives through the lenses of rights and power. This process will help you to develop appropriate professional attitudes to working collaboratively with parents and other professionals as well as with children.
Treating everybody in the same way to make sure all achieves the same? Treating people differently so that everyone can compete as fairly as possible? What do we mean when we talk about equality?
Equality is ‘equal fairness’ Ensuring individuals or groups are not systematically treated unfairly, and can gain full benefits of belonging to society including contributing Is closely linked to the notion of social justice Equality is both a value and a principle (Thompson, 2011 3 rd ed ) Equality
Social inequalities are differences in income, resources, power and status within and between societies. Such inequalities are maintained by those in powerful positions via institutions and social processes. (Naidoo and Wills, 2008) Do you agree with this definition? How would you define social inequality in 2023? Defining social inequalities
Inequality in Britain has increased over the past 30 years Health & happiness are related to income; richer people tend to be healthier and happier than poor people What is important:- The extent of the gap between rich and poor – the bigger the gap, the greater social problems arise, such as:- Mental health problems, addiction, obesity, low educational performance, homicide, incarceration and poor social mobility (Wilkinson, R & Pickett, K. 2010) Unequal societies
Watch the following clip. In preparation for group discussion: List the social issues highlighted by Kai, Tracey, Dale and Ashley. What are your initial thoughts and feelings? https://sportscotland.org.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-toolbox/lived-experiences/poverty-and-low-income/ Social Inequalities
What groups experience inequality in our society?
What impact does exclusion have?
If values are the underlying thread of all healthy relationships consider the following questions: Identify 3 values that are important to you Share your values with another person Do you possess the same values? If yes, why is this? Similarly, if no, what could be the reasons for this? Reflective Activity
Write down your professional goals Why have you chosen this route? Do values have an impact on professional goals? How will you achieve your professional goals? Professional values (LO3)
Utilising media articles, source good and bad news stories about groups which are currently marginalised within society. Start to consider in what way professional surveillance can support/hinder their inclusion within society. Read Warwick-Booth, L. (2013) Social Inequality A Student’s Guide Chapter 1 ‘What is Social Inequality?’ Also read ‘The Socio-economic Context of Social Policy’ (Ellison, N., 2014 Chapter 2, p. 13 - 38) in Bochel, L.H. & Daly, G.’ Social Policy, 3 rd Edition) available in E-book http://wk6kg9sd8m.search.serialssolutions.com/?isbn=9781447929574 Start to consider which publication from the selected list you would like to review for your summative assessment. Tasks and Reading
Gharabaghi, K. (2008) Child & Youth Services, Vol. 30(3/4) Canada: Taylor & Francis Group Thompson, N. (2011) ‘Promoting Equality’ 3 rd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Warwick-Booth, L. (2013) ‘Social Inequality A Student’s Guide’ London: Sage Wilkinson, R & Pickett, K. (2010) ‘ The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better ’ London: Penguin books References