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Abstract

It is normal human behaviour to join groups. Part of our identity as human beings is tied up in the groups to which we belong. We remain in these groups because they make us feel good about who we are. We define people outside our group as different from us. Our discomfort with that difference is a normal human reaction to a person who is a member of a ‘not us’ group (Turner & Louis, 1996). What we, as humans, do with that discomfort varies. What professionals working with children and families do with that discomfort is crucial, because it is this which influences the way they do their job. This paper discusses different reactions to this ‘not us’ discomfort in relation to three types of difference commonly found in Australian society: the differences associated with being Aboriginal, with being migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds, and with having a disability. The paper shows how each reaction to these differences leads to particular kinds of service delivery. What we believe is what we do.

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What we Believe is what we Do

Abstract

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