Definition:
Disadvantaged groups refer to segments of the population that experience greater obstacles to success or access to resources, services, and opportunities due to various systemic factors. These obstacles may arise from economic, social, or structural inequalities, such as poverty, discrimination, lack of education, or social exclusion. Disadvantaged groups often include, but are not limited to, racial or ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income populations.
Understanding Disadvantaged Groups:
Disadvantaged groups face barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society or accessing basic services like education, healthcare, and employment. These barriers may stem from institutional biases, socioeconomic factors, or a lack of representation in decision-making processes. The goal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is to reduce or eliminate these barriers, promoting equality of opportunity and outcomes for all individuals.
Equity, a core principle of DEI, emphasises addressing the specific needs of disadvantaged groups to ensure fair treatment and outcomes. This goes beyond equality, which only aims to provide everyone with the same resources, to instead tailor support to individuals’ circumstances and challenges.
Example:
An example of a disadvantaged group is people with disabilities. In many countries, individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. The challenges they face often include limited physical access to buildings, lack of adaptive technology, and societal prejudice.
For instance, a person who uses a wheelchair may find it difficult to access public transport, pursue higher education, or gain employment because of the inaccessibility of infrastructure or lack of inclusive policies. To address these challenges, organisations and governments must implement inclusive policies, such as making workplaces and schools physically accessible and providing assistive technologies.
Why It’s Important to Support Disadvantaged Groups:
Supporting disadvantaged groups is not only a moral imperative but also a practical one. By addressing systemic inequalities and empowering marginalised populations, societies can tap into the full potential of all their citizens. This not only enhances social cohesion but also leads to more sustainable economic growth.
Inclusive policies, such as affirmative action or targeted educational programs, can create opportunities for individuals who have historically been left behind. For instance, scholarships and grants for disadvantaged students can help close the education gap and promote equal access to higher education.
Conclusion:
Disadvantaged groups face multiple barriers to success and opportunities due to systemic inequalities related to race, disability, gender, economic status, and other factors. Understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by these populations is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. By implementing targeted DEI strategies, we can work towards a future where everyone has an equal chance to thrive.
References:
Bonevski, B., Randell, M., Paul, C., Chapman, K., Twyman, L., Bryant, J., … & Hughes, C. (2014). Reaching the hard-to-reach: a systematic review of strategies for improving health and medical research with socially disadvantaged groups. BMC medical research methodology, 14, 1-29. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1471-2288-14-42
Johansson, H., & Höjer, I. (2012). Education for disadvantaged groups—Structural and individual challenges. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(6), 1135-1142. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740912000655
O’Mara-Eves, A., Brunton, G., Oliver, S., Kavanagh, J., Jamal, F., & Thomas, J. (2015). The effectiveness of community engagement in public health interventions for disadvantaged groups: a meta-analysis. BMC public health, 15, 1-23. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-015-1352-y
Be impressively well informed
Get the very latest research intelligence briefings, video research briefings, infographics and more sent direct to you as they are published
Be the most impressively well-informed and up-to-date person around...