Law, social difference and discrimination

This chapter will explore ways in which the law in relation to discrimination has developed over time in Britain and how the legislation reflects social concepts that are contested, evolve and become part of the practice framework within social work. It will explore how diversity influences practice and examine issues that social workers may encounter, for example in relation to forced marriages or attitudes to smacking children. The chapter will assist social work students / practitioners in reflecting on issues of cultural diversity, consider how to manage challenges to personal values and to avoid discrimination. It will look at the ways in which people can be denied access to services, information and support, explore the obligations and limitations of the legislation and consider how anti-discriminatory practice goes beyond the limits of the legislation. In addition to exploring ways in which individual discrimination may be experienced and countered, the chapter will examine the impact of institutional discrimination, for example, in relation to race, and examine ways in which social workers can challenge oppression, discrimination and exclusion.