Page 53 - Part B

Information, Advice or Guidance

Stereotyping is when you judge a group of people who are different from you, based on
your own and/or others’ opinions and/or encounters. As a simple example, assuming
that people who did not go to university are not as clever as those people who did.

Prejudice is an unfavourable opinion or feeling, formed beforehand or without
knowledge, thought, or reason. For example, deciding you do not like any person who
is a Jehovah’s Witness – particularly when you do not know any.

The consequences of prejudice can be extremely damaging, such as:
• Damaged self-esteem

• Stress-related symptoms
• Emotional pain, that shows itself in anger or violence

• Marginalisation and exclusion of vulnerable groups
• Violence against vulnerable groups

• Disengagement.

Clients and advisors can work together to ensure that prejudice and stereotyping can
be challenged, by:

• Speaking up when jokes or comments are made which promote prejudice
or stereotyping

• Ensure that you seek and consider viewpoints opposite from your own; you
might find some options you hadn’t thought of

• Make sure a culture of trust and respect is developed and the client and
advisor are valued for their input

• Celebrate differences and respect them. Understand that clients
and advisors may come from different backgrounds and have different
life experiences; try and use these to offer the best advice, guidance
and information you can.

Key Facts

• Stereotyping and prejudice can be extremely harmful to the
advisor and client

• Respect people’s differences and use them to bring different
experiences to the conversation

• It is everyone’s responsibility to challenge prejudice and
stereotyping.

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