PREJUDICE, DISCRIMINATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION IN NIGERIA: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Inspite of the advanced level of civilization and higher quality of educational attainment in the 21st
century, prejudice and discriminatory behaviours has continue to poss significant existential threat
to humanity globally. In Nigeria like other societies, most ethnic group holds or possess prejudice
against each other with the implications being that the out-groups are seen with disdain and
treated unfavorably by members of the in-groups. Thus, prejudice and discrimination are either
the byproducts or consequences of all forms of social exclusion such as ethnocentrism, racism,
ageism, sexism and classism, and lookism, etc. This study examines prejudice, discrimination ad
implications for social work profession in Nigeria. The study argues that, the wide spread
devastating hazardous effects of prejudice and discrimination in Nigeria calls for the professional
services of the social worker. The study conclude that, as agents of social change, social workers
must work alongside and on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed people and groups to address
issues of prejudice and discrimination.