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AOP Theory

1331 Words6 Pages

Anti-oppressive practice [AOP] and cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT] are both theories that social workers can use to help their clients cope with the challenges that they face. AOP is a macro theory that emphasizes how social justice workers must work towards eliminating all forms of oppression, at every level, if they want to make positive, lasting change for individuals and communities. Since people are often affected by several forms of oppression, AOP theorists believe that only focusing on eradicating one form of oppression will not solve the complicated issues that many people face (Baines, 2011). Conversely, CBT is a micro theory that focuses on how dysfunctional thoughts and unproductive behaviours negatively affect a person’s mood. …show more content…

Sakamoto and Pitner (2005) write that AOP works towards eliminating the oppressions that negatively affect people’s lives by challenging the structural forces currently in place, which give some people more power than others. They also comment that social workers are never neutral professionals, and that it is their duty to initiate and further social movements, while also helping individual clients. Taking an AOP approach to social work helps to ensure that practitioners are pursuing social justice in their practice, which is an important aspect of social work that can be neglected when focusing solely on individual clients and their personal …show more content…

In addition, it is difficult to compare the research conducted on the integration of AOP into social work practice, since many researchers define AOP in differing ways or only explore certain aspects of it (Sakamoto & Pitner, 2005), such as intersectionality. Therefore, it may be challenging for practitioners and students to use this research to grasp a better understanding of the topic. Another limitation is that the term “anti-oppressive practice” may upset some social workers who do not necessarily use AOP to inform their practice because it implies that social workers not practicing with this orientation are not working towards social justice (Sakamoto & Pitner, 2005). Furthermore, because AOP is so focused towards creating social change on the macro level, it does not provide any solutions “to ‘immediate’ problems of individuals and families” (Sakamoto & Pitner, 2005). Another limitation is that because changing oppressive societal structures is a huge task for a group of professionals to accomplish, social workers using AOP in their practice can become discouraged that they are not able to make significant, lasting change (Sakamoto & Pitner, 2005). Lastly, AOP theorists believe that all forms of oppression need to be eradicated and that there is no

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In addition, challenges can arise when there is no commonality in identities or when identities between myself and a client are radically different. In these times, as a social worker who has a degree of power in a relationship with people seeking help, that I must acknowledge to myself that my power can impede on inclusively practicing and remain self-aware (Gelfand, Sullivan, & Steinhouse,

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Reflective Journal #2: Integrative Practice Social work practice aims at enhancing well-being and promoting social justice. The course material thus far asserts that segregation of micro and macro social work practices is detrimental to these aims. Furthermore, the course material encourages reflection on theoretical frameworks and personal practice methodology. Uniformly, the articles address the notion that the social work profession can improve strategies to address social justice and well-being through integrated approaches. The material discussed in this reflection elicits consideration of improved integrated interventions in my social work practice.

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Social workers employing this approach engage in one-on-one counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and therapeutic interventions. The focus is on understanding the unique circumstances, strengths, and challenges of clients to provide personalized assistance and support. Macro social work practice, on the other hand, emphasizes addressing the larger systems and structures that influence social issues. This dimension aims to create systemic change by advocating for policies, planning and implementing programs, conducting research, and mobilizing communities. Macro-level social workers strive to identify and rectify societal inequalities, combat discrimination, and promote social justice.

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558 Words | 3 Pages

Introduction Integrating theory into social work practice is essential in defining why social work is needed and how to practice it effectively. This paper will discuss two theories; intersectionality and life course theory, as I believe that these two theories are collectively suitable and effective in interrupting the cycle of oppression. I will draw upon both my own experiences and literature to analyze the strengths and limitations of intersectionality and life course theory. This discussion will exemplify how intersectionality and life course theory enhance each other and can work synergistically to inform my social work practice. Intersectionality Intersectionality is a macro theory, which looks at the complexity of an individual’s identity

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109 Words | 1 Pages

What is Anti-oppressive Social Work Within Canadian social work, the term “anti-oppressive practice” is generally understood as an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of practice approaches including, but not limited to, radical, structural, feminist, anti-racist, critical, and liberatory frameworks (Bailey & Brake, 1975; Dominelli, 1988; Dominelli & McLeod, 1989; Fook,2002; Leonard, 2001; Moreau, 1993; Roche, Dewees, Trailweaver, Alexander, Cuddy & Handy, 1999). Therefore, rather than being seen as one “practice approach”, anti-oppressive social work can be more accurately understood as a stance or perspective toward practice. The term ‘anti-oppressive social work’ represents the current nomenclature for a range of theories and practices

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1754 Words | 8 Pages

Anti-oppressive practice is also an approach of work in the social work that gives great emphasis to social change, empowerment, and partnership. Through anti-oppressive practice the problem of the individual is seen in a greater context: the individual, cultural, and societal and structural aspects are taken into consideration in the understanding of the problem and in its potential solutions. (Thompson 2002) developed the PCS model in other to fully grasp the full understanding of the individual, cultural and society which should influence the way social workers work with people of Black and ethnic minority and other oppressed groups. Intervention in the lives of the client should not only take place at the personal level but also cultural and structural in many cases all this level are interwoven. Power and Empowerment

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The application of observation methods informs social work processes and provided a reflective learning tool to my own SW values, ethics and anti-oppressive practice. Moreover, it provided ‘in action’ and ‘on action’ reflections from watching others and allowed for greater scope for reflections whilst observing. This method made me aware and observe the behaviours in others and how those behaviours are incongruent SW values and AOP. As an observer, you see things in others, things in yourself that you may not be aware of if

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Social work skills, theoretical knowledge and values that has been learnt and obtained through both of my placements has and will continue to be a fundamental component of my emerging social work identity. Work being undertaken, whether that being in a government or non-government organisation, has proven to be at times difficult, as often organisations which state that they provide diversity, social justice and inclusive practice are restricted by funding constraints, hierarchical structures and rigid polices. Personally having had two non-government placements, it has been difficult to be able to first-hand make these comparisons. However, through speaking with peers in my PSAG group and through government agency visits conducted on my previous and current placement, it has reinforced that even though we as social workers are working with such rigid and stricken policies, by using a wide range of practice skills and theoretical knowledge that has been acquired throughout my two

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1243 Words | 5 Pages

Introduction The goal of social justice is to combat oppression by focusing on equitable treatment and equal opportunities (Benner, 2022). The social work profession values advocacy and service as methods to combat oppressive practices. Oppression is apparent in all aspects and systems of our society (Hatcher et al., 2022). The existence of oppressive practice within the social work profession is debated, with many supporting the existence of oppression in social work practice.

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1817 Words | 8 Pages

Being a social worker is often a challenging, yet rewarding career. Social workers are responsible for helping individuals, families, and groups of people to cope with problems they’re facing to improve their patients’ lives. Social workers are also trained caseworkers in social service agencies who perform several functions which they use different components of the practice framework, the theoretical underpinnings to in order to build helping relationships. After interviewing a caseworker in a specific social agency there were advantages and disadvantages of methods along with challenges encountered in working in that specific agency. With all of this the functions, roles and responsibilities of a caseworker is what helps any agency to uphold

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1508 Words | 7 Pages

Modern social workers are frequently tasked with certain objectives by their agencies, which leave little room for any work beyond specific treatments and timeframes (Gitterman & Knight, 2016). Although social workers are bound to the set of ethics put forth by the NASW, practitioners are often limited to focusing on the issues of the individual rather than the larger societal issues that may be behind those concerns. Additionally, many social work students end up working in direct practice, rather than macro work. There is a need for social workers to engage at the macro level in order to facilitate community organization and empowerment. Critics suggest this theory may not take into account the unique experiences of each individual and perhaps key characteristics of the individual or group are not taken into consideration (Sadan, 1997).

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886 Words | 4 Pages

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

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1374 Words | 6 Pages

A social worker’s (SW) upbringing has a significant influence on the way he or she perceives a situation due to preconceived values, attitudes, beliefs as well as personal experience. The SW’s personal experience can be utilized in a positive way–to connect with the client, or it may cause certain challenges to the the therapeutic relationship i.e. triggers. That is a large reason why I am taking this course, to understand and challenge my background/past experiences and address concerns I may have in the field specifically working with involuntary clients. This paper will explore three lenses relating to the topic of working with involuntary clients. First, the exercice completed in class where Professor Quartz asked students to answer the

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INTRODUCTION This is a key framework of sociological theory. It depend on symbols and their meaning. The words we use to describe our behaviour and the behaviour of others is very important. To elaborate further and get into detail about this theory, firstly the theory and key terms have to be defined, secondly the major proponents and tenets, thirdly the history of the theory, fourthly the purpose of the theory, fifthly the significance of the theory for social work practice, followed by the epistemology, consistency with social work values and ethics, implication of the theory, position of the theory on the population served by the social worker, strength and weakness, relevance of Intersectionality, critical perspective on contemporary issues

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As social work professionals, we have a commitment to advocate for our clients. Because of our advocacy commitment, we also should be committed to social justice. Change cannot happen overnight; however, it also cannot happen if people are not willing to speak up about the things they are passionate about. Additionally, social workers must ensure that they are empowering their clients. As social workers, we should be committed to using a person first approach.

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