- Research the term “deficit discourse” and explain your understanding of this in your own words.
Deficit discourse is the stereotypical and discourteous thoughts, perspectives, behaviors, and attitudes towards a specific group in society. It is looking down on certain groups in society (The Lowitja Institute, n.d). For example, a stereotype for Indigenous Australians is that they are unable to attain tertiary education.
2. Give examples of 3 disempowering stereotypes.
- Indigenous Australians are all alcoholics
- Muslims are all terrorists
- All Filipinos are worthless caregivers overseas
- How can we as health promoters and future OHT’s minimise the harm caused by stereotypes in society?
As health promoters and future Oral Health Therapists, it is paramount to be culturally competent and sensitive in all settings. This includes being respectful to all individuals and communities within society. Additionally, it is important to educate yourself as a professional to reduce your stereotypical perspectives within society. This ensures the way we communicate and behave are not culturally insensitive towards other people which ultimately makes us better clinicians inclusive of everyone in society regardless of demographics. Reducing stereotypical and derogatory views about certain communities within society makes the dental practices and environments in which we study/ work in to be a comfortable and safe environment for everyone.
Reference
Deficit Discourse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Policy. (n.d.). The Lowitja Institute.
https://www.lowitja.org.au/content/Document/PDF/deficit-discourse-summary-report.pdf