System change
We need to use the lens of intersectionality to change the system so that we increase equity for adults and carers.
Part of the 'Equity Change Project'
Introduction
This section highlights the need for systemic intersectionality to address systemic oppression. We help you think about how you can change the system – whatever your role or position – to enable you to do better things to increase equity.
We consider what a different system would look like, how to bring about systemic change and how to evaluate the impact. And we show how intersectionality enhances efforts to ensure that resources are used with optimum effect to make the most difference for the people who need them.
Watch our short film for an introduction to system change.
Length: 7 minutes.
Analogy - A sense of wonder
We need to keep a sense of wonder about people, be open to surprise, and keep exploring and discovering. Imagine that a child notices that trees lose leaves in the winter and asks why; what will they discover? What we do depends on what we think is going on (Howe, 1998).
Use your intersectional curiosity to develop a sense of wonder about adult social care. Use what you discover to take action for equity.
Intersectionality in action
The following sections consider how we need to use the lens of intersectionality to change the systems so that we can increase equity for adults and carers.
Using the lens of intersectionality to change the system so that we increase equity for adults and carers.
Systemic intersectionality practice methods can be used for applying the lens of intersectionality in order to address systemic oppression.
The master’s tools: Article
Lorde, A. (1979). The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. In A. Lorde (1984), Sister outsider: Essays and speeches (pp. 110–113). The Crossing Press.
Relationship-based thinking and practice: Article
Howe, D. (1998). Relationship-based thinking and practice in social work. Journal of Social Work Practice, 12(1), 45–56. DOI: 10.1080/02650539808415131
We all carry power: Audio
Farquharson, C. (2021). A lived experience perspective on adult social care practice.
Workforce Race Equality Standard: Blog
Sonola, S., Franklin, N., Wu, J., & Fergus, L. (2022, April 12). WRES stories: The race for equality is on. Department of Health and Social Care. https://socialcare.blog.gov.uk/category/wres/
Social Care Future vision: Website
Social Care Future is an organisation that brings together people with lived experience, professionals, support providers, politicians and community groups among many others. They all act as allies to build a shared commitment to bring about major positive change so that social care enables people to do what they love with their life.
