KATO MOTLHATLHEDI
201302150
BSW 204(THEORIES IN SOCIAL WORK)
QUESTION: “Social workers have to be committed to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. If we do not challenge oppression, no-one else will.” Critically appraise this statement, paying attention to the Botswana context
INTRODUCTION
In order for one to understand what anti-oppression and anti-discrimination are, they have to first understand what oppression and discrimination are. Below are the definitions of the terms;
“Oppression is a denial of equal liberty…a denial of the opportunity to develop one’s higher capacities for progressive thought and action”, (Cudd, 2006). AND “…to call something discrimination is to criticize it, to assert what is wrong”, (Hellman,
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2). This approach combines methodologies that are able to address the complex, multi-layered character of oppression, with its objective, structural aspects as well as its subjective, phenomenological dimensions. Whereas quantitative methods may be used to provide measurable, empirical data regarding the structural expressions of oppression, more qualitative, ‘bottom-up’, interpretive methods may be suitable for reflecting the experience of oppression. The study of oppression should also address the predominant cultural images that underpin the inferior status of the oppressed, whether consciously or unconsciously. The reproduction of these symbolic constructions strengthens hegemonic discourses in ways that demonize, dehumanize and stigmatize the oppressed. Narrative, constructivist research may be conducive to revealing internalized oppression among the oppressed themselves.
ENVIRONMENT
Anti-oppression social work proposes a methodology that is responsive to the long-term traumatic nature of oppression. Oppression is a painful experience based on the systemic reversal of the right of self-determination. Therefore, the environment should establish a safe space for reflection and self-inquiry, and should provide ongoing therapeutic support through different stages.
SOCIAL WORKER–CLIENTS
According to (Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian); author of “Interrupting the Cycle of Oppression: The Role of Allies as Agents of Change”; many of us feel overwhelmed when we consider the many forms of systemic oppression that are so pervasive in American society today. We become immobilized, uncertain about what actions we can take to interrupt the cycle of oppression and violence that intrude on our everyday lives. According to (Merriam Webster); oppression, is treating someone unjustly; or cruelly exercising authority or power; weighing down body and mind (www.merriam-webster.com). The concept of oppression examines the “isim’s); racism, sexism, heterosexism, and class privilege as interlocking systems of oppression that ensues advantages for some and diminished opportunities for others; (p. 02/03).
If the goal is to create a society in which marginalized groups are equal citizens, then Social Work has an obligation to demand a moral-system that resonates with that objective. There must be a communal (collective) account of injustice, unfairness or oppression for any government-enforced redistribution or effort for reform to be rendered equally or indiscriminately. Without an emphasis on interdependence, a caring society, empathy, and intersectionality, Social Work’s assistance or governmental interventions in people of colors’ communities cannot truly be anti-oppressive, but rather temporary solutions to intergenerational inequality, crises, disparities and social
Culture oppression paradigm approaches cultural diversity as an issue of politics and justice. Experiences of oppression shape people lives. Oppression is an individual or group being held back or down by another individual or group. People who are denied freedom and the pursuit
The social workers find resources that will help the clients resolve their situation, taking in
“ According to the National Association of Social Workers Web site, racism is “the ideology or practice through demonstrated power or perceived superiority of one group over others by reasons of race, color, ethnicity, or cultural heritage....” The definition further goes on to note that “racism is manifested at the individual, group, and institutional level.” (Blank, 2013) Despite how much time has passed by, racism continues to be a huge issue today. We see it every day, some have even been confronted by racial discrimination, or racial slurs even. We see how the system could be for example: how blacks continue to get more severe punishments or blacks have higher the chance to get criminally sentenced than whites.
Reading and Reimagining Social Life In Allan Johnson’s Privilege, Power, and Difference, Patricia Hill Collins describes the Matrix of Domination as an intersectionality between all the isms, especially racism and sexism. Collins describes this cycle of domination saying “that each form of privilege is part of a much larger system of privilege” (Johnson, 52). Work for change needs to focus on the idea of privilege in all forms and the way in which it enables people to think in relation to inequality and power. The only way to understand the matrix, is by understanding its dimensions.
Human oppression can be defined as the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically by troubles and adverse conditions ("Dictionary.com"). There are many forms of human oppression and we will take a closer look at all of those. We will also, take a closer look at some real life examples. Furthermore, sexism can be defined as unfair treatment of people based on their sex ("Merriam-Webster.com").
Imagine going through a breaking point in life. A point to where it is so awful and unbearable. Going through life complications will and can affect an individual. Oppression can affect how oppressed people think, including loss of hope, making changes in society, and having acceptance.
Who I identify as, including identifying as a social worker once I graduate, will have some level privilege and power attached to the chosen identities. Gelfand, Sillivan, and Steinhouse (2002) noted that there are may dimensions that influence our personal and professional relationships with others, and these dimensions shape how we see and interact with, include or exclude them, and ways that we oppress or discriminate against them. As a social worker whose clients share my same identity, we may benefit by my having a shared understanding of cultural norms and expectations to reach a common goal. For clients who share commonalities with me, we may benefit by being able to work more collaboratively and possibly a more trusting relationship than one that must be built over time. However, just as similarities can be empowering, I must remember that the client knows best despite our shared identities that may speak otherwise.
Empowerment theory and macro social work typically appear in the form of grassroots organizing (Gitterman & Knight, 2016). Both social work students and practitioners tend to work on the mezzo or micro level with individuals, families, and/or small groups, rather than within larger communities (Gitterman & Knight, 2016). Community organization is not possible if one person attempts to create change alone. A group of like-minded people must make a concentrated effort to instigate change in a community. Groups must have open communication and an understanding of the common goal.
Assignment 2 Know discriminatory practices in health and social care. Discriminatory factors- Age: Age is how old you are determined by year. An example of who may be discriminated against because of their age would be the elderly and the young.
According to Ajandi, anti-oppressive practice does not believe in a hierarchy of oppression, where all oppressions are on a “level playing field of discrimination” (2018). AOP produces strategies to be used in social work practice to work alongside service user: critical reflection, critical assessment, empowerment, working in partnership with service users, and minimal
Social workers understand that, because of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power (2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards). (2015, July 15). My personal and
Introduction Person-in-Environment Framework In our practice as social workers, we are urged to view and understand human behavior as a set of complex interactions between individuals and their environment. This is known as the person-in-environment framework. This framework encourages us to acknowledge the influence of environment on our lives and provides a beneficial framework to think about and understand human behavior (Hutchinson, 2017). Understanding our work from this perspective allows us to approach our clients from a multi-dimensional stance, taking into consideration how various factors, including but not limited to, race, class, age and gender create individual identity and shapes an individual’s experience in the context of