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Anti oppressive approach social work
Anti oppressive practice framework
Anti oppressive practice framework
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Anti oppressive approach social work
Anti oppressive practice framework
Anti oppressive practice framework
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Discrimination against minority groups has always been common, but invisible to the general public. The book Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present by Maynard, Robyn highlights the “state violence against black persons in Canada” (Maynard, 2017, P.3). The author demonstrates solid connections between the issues of slavery in the past and the effects on modern society. Minority groups, especially African Canadians, who has been historically exploited and have been treated as tools more so than human beings. The book demonstrate these kind of treatment through Institutionalized racism, Neoliberalism and Deviance.
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).
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,
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
Swigonski (1991) discussed the effectiveness of standpoint theory in confronting social problems concerning social work. The study of theory begins with the assumption that society is structured by power relations generating unequal opportunities or ideologies. The theory states that in most cases, the oppressed individuals include women and girls where most of their activities within communities are less valued compare to activities assigned to boys and men. To develop a standpoint, social workers and development practitioners presents human communication as a way for affected individuals to engage in intellectual conversations and discussions concerning the complex social problems that surrounds the subordinate status of women and girls in disadvantaged communities. These communication approaches may also include readings, attending talks and workshops, reflection, and participation with groups such as the consciousness-raising groups (Haraway, 1988).
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
Racial justice has been an ongoing battle for many years. Racial justice activism also goes by the term anti-racist activism. But what exactly do these both stand for? Anti-racism is the process of trying to eliminate racism by changing systems, polices and organizations, it aims to change the practice and attitudes, so that power is shared equally (“Anti-Racism Defined”). With that term we can see and understand why some groups and individuals are considered a racial justice activist, by identifying and trying to work the problem to end racism.
Contemporary Practice Approach Social work has been known to be a caring profession that provides services and solutions to some of the problems that people and groups in the society might be suffering from. Social work is about helping make a change in the society with the bettering of the oppressed and ignored lives through the provision of life’s basic facilities and amenities (Watson & West, 2006). One of the theories that social workers apply most in their duties is that of Anti-Oppressive Practice model whose main focus is on the fight against oppression in the society. It does this by looking at the effects that the oppression may have on the individuals, groups, and institutions.
It will be argued that although there are many theories that can be used in social work practices a critical perspective (feminist theory) is clearly the most appropriate theory to apply in regards to my social justice issue, domestic violence. The first theory that will be explored is a conservative practice, the psychodynamic theory. As a social worker, taking on a psychodynamic practice involves individualising the user, separation from social contexts and works with forces in maintaining the status quo which ignores the importance of societal constructs (Bliss & Rasmussen, 2013). The Psychodynamic theory was introduced by a man named Sigmund Freud.
Much of this paradigm dates back to the work of social work theoretician and practitioner William Gordon. Gordon was instrumental in conceptualizing the framework that the understanding and practice social work involved not only internal matters of the respective minds and environments but of their interactions and relationships as well (Heinonen & Spearman, 2001). The ‘ecosystems framework’ is complemented by concepts supported in ‘systems theory’ and ‘ecology’. ‘Systems theory’ stresses the effects of interacting elements where multiple elements are themselves whole, interact and combine to form a whole, and have relationships with other wholes (Heinonen & Spearman, 2001). An open, interactive, system may receive nourishment and sustainability from within itself and from its relationships with others (Heinenon & Spearman, 2001).
Diminishing these social injustices in which Izzie has experienced calls for measures aimed at empowerment. This involves engaging Izzie in dialogue that will assist her in gaining an awareness of the oppressive actions that have impacted the lives of her and her family so that the focus can then turn to actions of self-determination which can liberate her from oppressive conditions (Marsiglia & Kulis, 2016). Further, as part of this empowerment process, we should focus on ways to help Izzie define and express herself independent of the definitions promoted by the dominant culture about people in marginalized groups(van Voorhis, 1998). This process of empowerment requires an intricate and collaborative social worker and client relationship, with Izzie leading the way as the expert on her family and situation.
Erasmus Mundus Master in Social Work with Families and Children 4th edition - 2016-2018 1st Semester Name: Rojika Maharjan 1. Social work has evolved with different “theories in social work”; either concepts derived from other social sciences such as psychology or sociology or “theories for social work” which are the core philosophy of social work practice specified to give a professional purpose and approach to practice (Healy, 2014). a) Regarding the context of children and families, system theory and strength theory are appropriate. i)
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).
Anti-oppressive practice focuses on the structural inequalities and places the blame that service users internalize on the structures and systems themselves (Ajandi, 2018). Humanistic and social justice values and ideas shape anti-oppressive practice (Healy, 2015). They address inequalities that affect opportunities of service users, due to the interlocking of social relations and oppression (Burke & Harrison, 2002). AOP aims to identify oppressions and define ways in which social workers can attempt to become anti-oppressive, avoid discomfort, and end oppression to service users (Strega, 2007). It highlights mutual involvement between the social worker and the service user, challenging forms of oppression and inequalities (Burke & Harrison, 2002), and presents the idea that service users do not occupy a “single identity”, but instead have interlocking oppressions that work together to put clients at a social disadvantage (Strega, 2007).
It directs people to acquire knowledge to identify and use the resources. Social work studies individual problems as well as social issues which create hindrance to people in their walks of life. Social workers employ an adequate skills, techniques, strategies, principles, and activities at various system levels, for maintaining a system or for system change efforts. Social work practice makes us understand various forms of therapy and counseling, group work, and community work; policy formulation and analysis; and advocacy and political interventions. Social work practice is aimed at increasing people 's hope, self-esteem and creative potential to confront and challenge oppressive power dynamics and structural sources of injustices, thus merging consistently e the micro-macro, personal-political dimension of intervention.