Case Study

There is a burst water pipe in the block of flats you live in. You and your neighbour’s flats are water damaged and you both call and talk to the landlord at the same time. The next day, a builder comes to your house and repairs the damage to your walls. When you see your neighbour in the lift a few days later, she complains about how long it’s taking for the landlord to resolve the water damage in her flat. You’re shocked to learn she hasn’t had the same treatment as you. You call the landlord and ask him why he hasn’t helped your neighbour yet and he tells you that the neighbour ‘wasn’t a priority and you were as you’re a good Christian woman’. You are a married woman with children and your neighbour is co-habiting with her partner.

• Is this discriminatory behaviour?
• How do you think your neighbour would think or feel if she overheard this conversation?
• Would you report this incident?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.