Equality and Diversity in Prisons - Essay Example

Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Equality and Diversity in prisons Introduction Diversity is an evident factor in all societal settings since it is apparent in the dimensions of gender, race, age, socio- economic status, political ideologies, social ideologies and physical abilities among many other factors. The concept of diversity calls for respect, acceptance and tolerance. The acknowledgement of the identified differences brings about a positive and nurturing environment that celebrates and embraces the differences that are instilled in each individual. The modern day society particularly in Ireland and Europe consists of individuals from different ethnic or cultural back grounds. Consequently, there is sheer doubt on whether equality is being upheld especially in institutions such as the prisons facilities. Moreover, we are caused to question the need of equality legislations in Ireland and Europe and how these legislations can promote cultural diversity in prisons and the society at large (Fillion 219). This paper seeks to provide and incisive and comprehensive outlook on the need of equality legislations in Ireland and Europe. It will also illustrate how equality legislation in Europe and Ireland can promote cultural diversity in prisons and the society at large. Equality legislations in Ireland and Europe Prior to the activated social revolution in the 19th century, cultural intolerance was a predominant factor in Europe and Ireland. Some ethnic groups were considered as superior whereas others were regarded as inferior and not worthy of certain privileges. These stereotypic beliefs were evident in socio-economic institutions and prison facilities. For instance, in prison facilities, inmates from ethnic groups that were stereotypically considered as inferior received inhumane treatment. On the other hand, offenders from well regarded ethnic backgrounds were given extra privileges. Over the course of time, equality legislations that are geared towards promoting equality in Europe and Ireland have been adapted. Good examples of such legislation include Race Relations Act of 1948 and the British Nationality Act of 1948 (McEwen 90). The Race Relations Act of 1948 has overtime undergone amendments that are geared towards promoting equality and cultural diversity in Europe and Ireland. The Act was formerly introduced in 1948 in response to the increasing immigrants deployed from various parts of the world to counter the labors needs that resulted from the World War 2. The Act was formerly discriminatory as it gave unequal rights and privileges to people from different ethnic backgrounds. However, this Act was amended to the Race Relations Amendment Act of 2000, this Act stipulates that it is unlawful to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of culture, ethnic background, nationality, color or race (Klug 103). The British Nationality Act of 1948 stipulates that nationality is by the virtue of citizenship and that all citizens have equal rights and privileges regardless of their ethnic background, socio-economic status, race or color. The Act further stipulates protection for the marginalized groups of people (Klug 103). The need for equality legislations in Ireland and Europe Cultural diversity has become an increasingly important concern in the Irish prisons in regard to both the prison officers and the inmates. The increased cultural diversity has brought about a wide range of challenges to the management of these prison facilities. Some of these challenges include the need to ensure that there is equal provision of prison services such as healthcare, counseling and education. Another challenge lies in ensuring that the prison officers working in these prison facilities are completely integrated in the Irish prisons workplace systems in manner that acknowledges and values cultural diversity. In the recent decades there has been an increasing demand in both the European and Irish prison systems for the development of policies that take into account the issues of cultural diversities (Morton 12). Ireland and Europe have been confronted with inflating levels of discriminations on the grounds of race and culture. The marginalized groups of people have been subjected to untold mistreatment from both the police and civilians. For instance some ethnic groups are vulnerable to police arrests since they are stereotypic beliefs that certain ethnic groups are prone to particular crimes. In prison facilities certain groups of people have succumb to inhumane treatments whereas others have been endowed with exceptional privileges (Fillion 219). In order to end the vicious cycle of inequality in prisons facilities and other socio-economic settings, there is need to develop and implement equality legislations in Ireland and Europe. Equality legislation will play a great role in ensuring fair and equal treatment of persons in prison facilities and other socio-economic institutions. Furthermore, these legislations are needed in Ireland and Europe since they will give guidance on how to approach issues that are bound to emerge as a result of cultural diversities in prison facilities and other socio-economic institutions (Phillips &Trevor 112). According to Mason (2000), the rates of immigrants in Europe and Ireland increases over time. In 2004 the number of assimilated British and Irish citizens as recorded was over 140 000 this is a 12% increase as compared to the previous years. An overwhelming majority of citizens come from Asia 40% and Africa 32%. It is apparent that these groups come from ethnic and racial backgrounds that are overly different from those that are found in Ireland and Europe. In order for equality, social cohesion and fairness to be realized in multicultural societies such as Ireland and Europe there is need for equality legislations to be developed and implemented (Mason 23). In prison facilities equality legislations are needed so that they can promote equal service delivery. These legislations are the key to safety in prisons since they determine the rights of prisoners and the substantiality of services rendered to them. Moreover, these legislations help to reduce reoffending amongst the convicted inmates thus promoting the safety of the general public. It is worth noting that prisoners need to be offered with the opportunity to reform their behaviors so that they can be integrated back into the society. If they receive fair treatment and gain access to the services they require then they are bound to reform their behaviors. Importance of equality legislation in promoting cultural diversity Evidently, equality legislations are imperative to the prison facilities and other socio-economic settings in Ireland and Europe. In a society that is overly discriminatory these legislations extend equitable status to the marginalized groups without favoring particular cultures, races or ethnic groups. Equality legislations promote social integration amongst individual from different ethnic backgrounds. Furthermore these legislations assist in the assimilation of minority groups into multicultural settings. In Europe equality policies also referred to as ‘de jure’ have been established with the aim of bringing about social cohesion by acknowledging distinct groups of people. Moreover, these equality legislations allow individuals to maintain and celebrate their cultural identity (Bissoondath 64). The principles of equality in legislations empower individuals to practice their customs and practices in their varied cultural contexts. These privileges help to promote and uphold the cultural values of different ethnic groups thus promoting cultural diversities in Ireland and Europe. Furthermore, equality legislations warn against special treatments towards other cultures as this violates law in regard to the principle of equality. These legislations emphasize on equality and the need for all persons regardless of their race or cultural background to be treated with dignity. The development and implementation of equality legislation in Ireland and Europe is of extreme importance. These legislations help individuals go beyond the set legal standards and strive to accept, tolerate, nurture and embrace cultural diversities present in their different societal settings. Cultural diversities provide a platform whereby individuals can learn from the perspectives and working practices of others. In addition, equality legislation has created a channel that allows each individual irregardless of their ethnic background to channel their ideas and perspectives in regard to their cultural identity. Equality legislations in both Ireland and Europe cover equality and discriminations in relation to provision of services and employment. Consequently, cultural diversity is encouraged in the work place (Mason 23). It is worth noting that equality does not necessarily mean treating people in the same way. It is apparent that some groups in the society have greater and different needs than others, For instance, convicted prisoners cannot be treated in the same way as other people in the society. This is mainly because they have different needs in most cases their needs revolve around behavioral reforms. Therefore, other than equality legislations additional strategies should be developed to promote cultural diversities (Bissoondath 64). Conclusion The modern day society particularly in Ireland and Europe consists of individuals from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Prior to the activated social revolution in the 19th century, cultural intolerance was a predominant factor in Europe and Ireland. However, over the course of time a number of equality legislations have been enacted in a bid to promote equality and cultural diversities. Key among these legislations includes the Race Relations Act of 1948 and the British Nationality Act of 1948. Evidently, these legislations are needed in order to end the vicious cycle of inequality in prisons facilities and other socio-economic settings. The principles of equality in legislations empower individuals to practice their customs and practices in their varied cultural contexts. These privileges help to promote and uphold the cultural values of different ethnic groups thus promoting cultural diversities in Ireland and Europe (Phillips &Trevor 112). Works cited Bissoondath, Neil. Selling Illusions: The Myth of Multiculturalism. Toronto: Penguin. 2002, p 64. Fillion, Real. Multicultural Dynamics and the Ends of History. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press.2008, p 219. Klug, Francesa et al. The three pillars of liberty: political rights and freedoms in the United Kingdom. London: Rutledge Publishers. 1996, p103. Mason, David. Race and Ethnicity in Modern Britain. UK: Oxford University Press. 2000, p. 23 McEwen, Martin. Tackling racism in Europe: an examination of anti-discrimination law in practice. UK: Berg Publishers. 1995, p 90. Morton, Eric. Race and Racism in the Works of David Hume: African Philosophy.1533-1067, 2002. Phillips, Mike &Trevor Phillips. Windrush: The Irresistible Rise of Multi-Racial Britain. London: Harper Collins Publishers. 1998, p 112-124. Read More