Session 3 - Equality and Diversity

Question 1

What is meant by STEREOTYPES?

Answer 1

• Generalisations we make about specific social groups and the members of those groups, often emphasising negative traits.*
• The basis of this comes from the way in which we store memories and organise knowledge i.e. in such a way that processing power is saved, the environment is more predictable and we can anticipate things. To achieve this, we store knowledge as mental representations, organised in schemata (groups of related information).*

Question 2

What is the difference between STEREOTYPES, PREJUDICE and DISCRIMINATION?

Answer 2

Question 3

What is meant by SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

Answer 3

• The term used to describe what gender someone is attracted to.
• It can be life-long or can fluctuate over a lifetime.
• NB:// Sexual attraction includes feelings, behaviour and identity.*

Question 4

Outline the differences between IDENTITY and BEHAVIOUR.

Answer 4

IDENTITY = example would be ‘gay, lesbian and bisexual’

BEHAVIOUR = example would be ‘MSM and WSW’.

Question 5

What is meant by the Gender Binary Model?

Answer 5

The idea that there are two separate categories - male and female who are clearly distinguished by anatomy and should act in certain ways.

Question 6

What is meant by GENDER IDENTITY?

Answer 6

Someone’s internal perception and experience of their gender.

Question 7

What is meant by GENDER ROLE OR EXPRESSION?

Answer 7

The way that person lives in society and interacts with others.

Question 8

What is meant by the term ‘TRANSGENDER’ / ‘TRANS’?

Answer 8

An umbrella term for those whose gender identity and/or gender expression differ from their birth sex.

The term includes transsexuals, transvestites, cross-dressers…

Question 9

What is meant by a TRANSSEXUAL PERSON?

Answer 9

Someone who feels a consistent and overwhelming desire to transition and fulfil their life as a member of the opposite sex (some may undergo gender reassignment)

Question 10

Outline some of the problems LGBT people face when it comes to discrimination and marginalisation.

Answer 10

1. School - abuse/bullying
2. Family - rejection
3. Work - bullying and unfair treatment
4. Elderly - loneliness
5. Hate crime - verbal abuse and physical violence
6. Discrimination in health care provision.

Question 11

How might discrimination lead to poorer health in the LGBT population?

Answer 11

• Increased stress
• Low self-esteem
• Isolation
• Increased conflict
• Distrust of authorities
• Discriminatory healthcare e.g. not offered smear tests.