Why understanding the causes of discrimination is more crucial than ever

The case for understanding the causes of discrimination is as important today than in the past when obvious forms of discrimination were more publicly acceptable, the BASW Cymru World Social Work Day event heard.

Dr Neil Thompson told the audience at Cardiff University that his theoretical framework for considering the ‘personal, cultural and structural’ (PCS) influences on a person’s behaviour remains relevant because of the impact on vulnerable people of free market economic policies and “the dismantling of the welfare state”.

PCS Analysis was introduced in the first edition of Dr Thompson's Anti-discriminatory Practice book in 1993. More than two decades on from its publication, he expressed concern that issues about discrimination are being marginalised by policy makers and that the holistic perspective offered by PCS Analysis needs to remain part of the social work landscape.

Pointing to the political emphasis on market forces and a reduced role for the state, Dr Thompson said policymakers continue to favour wealth creation over well-being, leading to increased inequality.

“A sophisticated understanding of discrimination and oppression is needed now more than ever before. Equality, diversity and social justice need to be reaffirmed as central not peripheral,” he said.