Syllabus Content Principle of social justice Equity Diversity Supportive environments

Principles of Social Justice Social justice refers to eliminating inequities that exist amongst population groups. It aims to promote equity and inclusiveness so that health outcomes are equitable irrespective of race, gender, culture, location and age. If all people are to reach their optimum health, equal opportunity is essential. Equality does not mean giving everyone the same thing but giving each group what they need to achieve optimum health.

Equal opportunity rights apply to everyone, social justice targets marginalised or disadvantaged groups in society. Social justice is concerned with ensuring that ever Australian lives free from discrimination and has the means to make choices about how they live. The principles of social justice can be summarised as equity, diversity and supportive environments. Medicare is an example of the social justice principles in action. It provides all members of the population with the opportunity to access basic medical services and hospital care, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or gender.

Principles of Social Justice (cont.) Equity Equity involves making sure resources and funding are distributed fairly and without discrimination, and based on the needs of the individuals or populations. Health equity means that everyone has access to the health services and support they need, when they need it and in a place that is easily accessible.

Principles of Social Justice (cont.) Diversity Diversity is variety, or difference, between individuals and groups of people. The valuing of diversity helps to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. This principle of social justice is a commitment to encouraging men and women of diverse racial, social and economic groups to play major roles and, in a spirit of mutual respect, come to understand and appreciate what each brings to a whole. It involves all groups of the community in planning and making decisions about health issues.

Accepting diversity involves: Recognising the cultural and social diversity of society and examining and evaluating diverse values, beliefs and attitudes Recognising the contribution of social, cultural, economic and biological factors to individual values, attitudes and behaviours Exploring different views about issues such as gender roles, physical activity, peer-group relationships, sexuality, cultural beliefs and what constitutes a healthy environment Exploring conflicting values, morals and ethics for wellbeing when making decisions.

Principles of Social Justice (cont.) Supportive Environments As a principle of social justice, establishment and maintenance of supportive environments is aimed at ensuring all community members have equal opportunity to achieve good health. People are encouraged to engage actively in making environments more supportive of health. These environments include those where people live (including their local community and their home) as well as where they work and play.

It requires that physical, social, economic and political environments are supportive of health rather than damaging to it. This principle is also concerned with ensuring people have access to resources and opportunities for empowerment that will support their health.

Questions A) Identify the social justice issue in the scenarios below: A local high school does not have disabled access. Students with disabilities are not encouraged to enrol at this school. Local rural hospitals are having difficulty in employing doctors and nurses who have knowledge and understanding about the health issues of young people in the community. The youth are worried about the impact of this on provision of health services for young people. A local high school is situated on a busy main road. The school community has complained to the local council about road safety issues concerning their school. B) Propose examples of health actions that can be taken to support the principles of social justice. Discuss the aim of health equity for Australians. Is it to provide them with the opportunity to achieve good health or is it to ensure all have the same level of health?