Reflective Essay On Health And Social Care

2542 Words11 Pages

SH 4008 - Reflective Essay Olagoke I. Ajani (21026457) Date: 24th April 2023 Stigma, labelling, and stereotyping Introduction Stigma, labelling, and stereotyping are pervasive and persistent issues that have a significant impact on the lives of individuals, particularly those from black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities. Goffman (1963) describes stigma as the difference between the virtual social identity and the real social identity. As a black African living in the UK, I have personally experienced discrimi- nation and stereotyping, so the topic is of great interest to me. Obvious instances of this form of dis- crimination includes government policies like: Hostile Environment Policy - This policy, which was im- plemented in …show more content…

I will begin by providing examples of how these issues affect mental health among BAME individuals in the UK. Furthermore, I will discuss the relationship between stigma and help-seeking for mental illness in African-descended faith communities in the UK. Additionally, I will analyse how stigma, labelling, and stereotyping are handled in the health and social care profession and discuss the ethical, social, legal, organisational, personal, and professional perspectives involved. I will also discuss the decision-making process and key concepts of theories, including theories of power, anti-oppressive practise, cultural competency and humility, person-centred approaches, labelling theory, and valuing diversity and respect for individual autonomy. Finally, I will explain how this learning will positively influence my future practise as a healthcare …show more content…

This approach involves working collaboratively with individuals to empower them to make decisions about their care and treatment. Additionally, cultural competency and humility are essential skills for health and social care professionals, as they allow for the provision of care that is respectful and sensitive to an individual's cultural background (Guzman et al., 2021). Person-centred approaches also play a critical role in addressing stigma, labelling, and stereotyping, as they prioritise the needs and preferences of the individual receiving care (McGillivray et al., 2016). Furthermore, valuing diversity and respecting individual autonomy are essential principles for health and social care professionals to adhere to when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This involves recognising and celebrating the differences between individuals and respecting their right to make decisions about their care and treatment (Bishop & Scior, 2017). Health and social care professionals must also be aware of the legal and ethical considerations involved in addressing stigma, labelling, and stereotyping, including issues related to confidentiality and informed