Core 2 Groups in Context

1. Core 2 Groups in Context “Factors affecting access to resources”

2. Introduction • A number of factors will influence the ability of individuals, families and groups to access a variety of resources when satisfying needs and wants. • These factors include “SLEDAGE” - socioeconomic status - location - education - disability - age - gender - ethnicity and culture

3. SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS • Socioeconomic status is based on income, education levels, occupation and social status • . People with higher SES often have access to a wider range of resources than people with lower SES due to their higher income and education. • People with lower SES do not have the same financial, social or educational supports to access resources. • Although resources may be available to them (e.g a house to buy or rent) they do not have the money or skills to access them. • Give your own example of SES affecting access to resources:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. LOCATION (geographic) • This factor relates to where people live and can have a great impact on availability of resources. • In many rural areas resources are not always available without other means of support. • Different areas or locations can have access to some benefits but not others e.g coastal areas-beaches and fresh seafood, Urban areas-medical facilities and education. Give your own 2 specific examples ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. EDUCATION • Education may refer to formal education or to life experience. The more educated an individual is, the greater his or her knowledge, skills and ability to find and then access resources. • Educated people are also more likely than non-educated people to earn more money and have greater access to economic resources, housing and health care. • Education in technology can also increase a persons access to many on-line goods and services. Give 2 examples where this applies. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. DISABILITY • A disability is a term used to describe some-one who has a perceived or actual incapacity. A disability can be permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary. • Having a disability can mean that individuals or families are actually eligible to access some resources that others are not. E.g disabled car parks and government assistance. • A disability may also have a negative impact on people’s self-esteem and self-confidence which could affect their ability to use or access resources. • Physical access for the disabled can also be a concern e.g wheel chair friendly buildings. • Examples ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. AGE • People’s age often affects what resources are available to them e.g the pension. • As you get older you gather more education, develop your skills and knowledge and as a result can access more resources. This can be the reverse for the elderly who can become vulnerable. Give 3 specific examples __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. GENDER • In today’s society most resources are available to both men and women however concepts and stereotypes of what is masculine and what is feminine can influence the types of resources people will access. Resources that are stereotyped as being female are generally accessed more by women e.g hairdressing apprenticeships and vice-versa for men e.g TAB. • Some resources are also specific for a particular sex, denying the other sex access e.g women’s refugees. Give 3 examples of how gender can affect access to resources ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. ETHNICITY AND CULTURE • Ethnicity and culture can be described as a way of life with which individuals, families and groups identify. • Australia is a multi cultural society and as a result language and communication can be a barrier to awareness and access to some resources. • Language, different values and cultural barriers can deny or reduce access to neighbours and community groups. • Being a member of a specific ethnic group can also increase access and availability of some targeted resources e.g housing and health supports for A&TSI ers. • Give 3 examples ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. TASK • Do Check for understanding page 12, q. 1,2&3. • Find a newspaper or magazine article that shows lack of access to resources for an individual, family or group because of one of the “SLEDAGE” factors.