ch 6 and 14

I think that the most effective measure in fighting stigma is advocacy. If people start believing that everyone can be a productive member of society in one way or another, then maybe these populations will no longer be discriminated against in the first place. Getting there is the hard part, but education through facts and real-life examples are a start. I know one young woman who has OCD, Tourettes, and is on the Autism spectrum who is brilliant and has made her way into a Social Work program where she works to provide advocacy for mental illness. I also know many other people who have disabling mental health or physical conditions who are high-functioning in the job that they have, although they may have their off-days or weeks.
As the daughter of a single mother, I realize how hard it is for women in the work place. I feel like we are still living by the standards that the man should be the head of the household and main earner, while the woman works part-time and takes care of the children. This breaks down in the case of divorce or in a day and age in which both parents must typically earn a living in order to pay the bills. There is absolutely no reason why women should earn less than a man who does the exact same job, and she may even be more skilled. We also deal with sexual harassment and discrimination on a regular basis, which is not okay, but that is another issue.
Some people that I know and love also fall into the LGBT category. Some of them, sadly, feel the need to hide their sexual orientation from some people, including in the workplace. Many others are "out" but do not explicitly give out that information unless it is brought up or questioned. This is heartbreaking that they feel that they have to protect themselves and cannot truly be themselves. Is it really anyone's place to judge who someone wants to share their life with? Two consenting adults should be able to enjoy life together, regardless of gender or orientation. They should not be discriminated against in any context. I would also like to note that today gay marriage was made legal in the state where I will make my home (Illinois).

I don't believe the book mentioned this, but I also believe there should be assistance for people just coming out of higher education who are in a transition period between school and job. For example, when I move back and begin my life, I will need to find a job ASAP. I will have student loans to pay and a supervisor to find. If I didn't have a supportive mother who will provide me with a place to stay, what would I do?


Brown, D. (2012).  Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th ed.).  New York: Pearson Education, Inc.