Race Relations Policies in Social Services Departments - The Tasks and the Problems

Abstract

Traditional thinking behind local authority social services provision has been based on the concept of equality of treatment, irrespective of race or sex. This ‘same for all’ approach did not take into account the different and particular needs of the black community in many instances, nor did it acknowledge the overall position of disadvantage of black people; it therefore resulted in discriminatory practices, albeit unintentional. The failure to acknowledge the implications of diverse cultural, social, religious, dietary and linguistic differences has led to the provision of inappropriate services; for example, Afro-Caribbean and Asian foods are not provided in many social services’ establishments such as day centres, luncheon clubs, day nurseries and residential children’s homes. The low take-up of certain services by some client groups including black elderly people and the Asian community does not mean that they do not need social services provision; it almost certainly reflects an inappropriate and insensitive approach to service provision. Equality of treatment has, in many instances, been a myth as far as black people are concerned. And it will only be achieved through a recognition of the different and particular needs arising from a variety of cultures, historical traditions and the effects of racism.