Oppression and Social Work - Essay Example

Oppression and Social Work The term oppression simply stands for the misuse of force applied and exercised by the powerful individuals, groups or societies in order to suppress and subjugate the weak stratum of society for imposing and enforcing the will of the powerful. Oppression is viewed and estimated through different standpoints in different disciplines. Consequently, oppression serves as an operative concept from the perspective of social work. It can be characterized as difference denials or the exploitation of differences. (Tomlinson and Trew, 2002: 163) In either case, oppression is directly related to the inequities culminating from the unjust exercise of authority observed within groups, strata, societies and communities. The oppressed are often denied opportunities that are generally enjoyed by the people belonging to liberated communities and nations at large. When society fails to make provision for basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, security and shelter, this failure is typically referred to as oppressive because it constitutes an injustice that denies equal opportunities. (Schwarzbaum and Thomas 2008, 14-15). In the context of oppression, society’s denial of basic needs may stem restraints on legal rights, burdens and duties, stereotyping, practices, norms, social status, income and wealth from constant social constraints and practices. Each of these factors function within constructs referred to as social institutions. In this regard, social institutions are broadly defined and may include, schools, legal systems, political establishment, judicial set-up, banks and financial institutions, gender norms, media, stereotypes, class and caste systems, race/ethnic categorization systems, etiquette, rules and traditions, customs and conventions, religious cults and festivals, and cultural mores and social norms etc, as Cudd (2006) explains: What all of these have in common are that they specify behaviors in specific situations for persons who are most suitable for particular roles regardless of their individual characteristics, and the specified behaviors are in some sense required under threat of penalty for noncompliance (50). Oppression is therefore a systematic social phenomenon which is derived from perceptions and differences among social units dominated by ideology and subject to institutional control and the promulgation of the oppressor’s ideology, logic system, and culture to the oppressed (Lancaster, Waryold and Timm 2008, 120). In essence, oppression results in the exploitation of a social group by another social group. According to Lancaster, Waryold and Timm (2008) oppression can function in three phases or on three distinct levels. First it can function individually in circumstances where the conducts or beliefs of an individual are manifested. Secondly, oppression may operate on an institutional level where polices, practices and processes in a society reflect social stereotypes and differences. Thirdly, oppression occurs at a societal or cultural level where norms and values are asserted to the detriment of a particular social group (Lancaster, Waryold and Timm 2008, 120-121). Hence, the definition identified by Lancaster et al. encompasses every aspect of the various scales of oppression. There are essentially five dimensions of oppression. The five dimensions according to Turner (2005, 241) are exploitation, marginalization and powerlessness of minorities, as well as the cultural imperialism and violence exerted by majority groups and societies. For social workers it is entirely necessary to acquire the skills, knowledge and fortitude as well as to be committed to understanding and challenging institutional, societal and individual oppression as it is related to minorities. Thus, wealthy and influential authorities and groups exploit and oppress the poor and weak strata. Renowned philosopher and father of Socialism Karl Marx also points out exploitation of ‘haves-not’ at the hands of ‘haves’ in all societies and cultures of the world, which gives a go to conflict. Conflict is, Marx insists, the major source of change in social systems. They develop through the exposure of people, he emphatically states, occupying particular social positions to particular social circumstances. Thus, in early industrial enterprises, competition divides the personal interests of a crowd of people who are unknown to each other. (Coser, 1978:149) Hence, oppression exists in various forms in all countries even in most modern societies of Europe, Canada, USA and Australia. The evidence of racial oppression can obviously be found everywhere in Canada’s labor market. Racial oppression in this regard refers to the exploitation of non-white Canadians, immigrants, and the residents who are not born Canadians, at the hands of the native Canadians (Webber, 2008: 225). As a native Canadian, and the descendant of White Anglo Saxon Population (WASP), I am not a part of the oppressed racial group, but can certainly see eye to eye with the fact that the level of oppression suffered by the non-native oppressed group is entirely unacceptable particularly in the 21st century where opportunities have increased for education, health care, employment and other basic needs at an unprecedented magnitude. In addition, the contemporary era witnesses vehement condemnation of social inequalities and discrimination on the foundations of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status in all regions of the world. So, being an advanced and enlightened society, Canada must observe tolerance and equality towards the individuals belonging to divergent racial and ethnic groups. Being the economic and technological giant, Canada must display kindness and broad-sightedness towards other communities. It has often been found that the individuals, who have been victim of racial and ethnic discrimination in childhood and early youth, may turn out to be aggressive, tyrant, imbalanced, revengeful and oppressive in their later years. In an economic study conducted by the Centre for Social Justice in Toronto, it was discovered that despite the surge in Canada’s economic development and growth during the 1990s, the income among Canadians were becoming increasingly unequal and surpassed levels of inequality over the last 25. In fact, the income level of the native Canadians is estimated to be almost double than other racial groups residing in Canada. Even so, this income discrepancy illustrate only one of the many aspects of socio-economic exclusion confronted by minority racial groups which is reflected in labor markets, where racial groups are subjected to higher rates of unemployment, overrepresentation in low-end occupations and low-income sectors and are underrepresented in managerial, profession, and high-income occupations and sectors. (Webber 2008, 225) Unemployment and low income as well as under representation in professional and managerial positions have left serious affects upon society and families in general. It also has created the series of reaction where low self-esteem, economic struggles, crime and limited access to education and health care observe perpetuation in such a way that it is sure to turn out to be a generational problem (Mishel, Bernstein and Boushey 2003, 96). Picot and Myles (2005: 5) are of the view that when low income remains constant to any specific group or individual for a long time, social and economic exclusion becomes more and more of a greater reality. Discrimination against low income groups is more prevalent among non-Canadians and long racial/ethnic lines, and is evident in a number of ways. It impacts the quality of health and education and rebounds to neighborhood health and safety systems, which is really alarming for the progress of the Canadian at large. Although compared to other groups in Europe and the USA, Canada’s neighborhoods, inhabited by divergent racial and ethnic groups are significantly better in life standard and quality. (Fong and Gulia 2007, 575). Even so, a study conducted by Fong and Gulia (2007) reveals that there are persistent patterns of differences in the quality of Canadian neighborhoods. This disparity is reflective of the fact that lower income brackets, primarily attributed to non-Canadians, are not in a position to transfer economic resources to neighborhood improvements. Moreover, the ambitions and expectations of children, living in these neighborhoods undergoing large-scale unemployment, families relying on welfare and subsisting on low income are also negatively impacted (Fong and Gulia 2007, 575). Thus, unequal distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities may challenge the peace, stability and national integrity of a country subsequently. In a study, conducted by Humphries and van Doorslaer (2000), it was determined that there was a significant disparity in the self reported healthcare initiatives of the lower stratum of Canada. Ultimately the study found that there was a significantly higher self-reporting trend among higher income individuals relative to health issues (Humphries and van Doorslaer 2000, 663). Thus, the people belonging to low income groups undergo financial, emotional and sentimental collapse consequently. Another research, conducted by Christofides, Cirello and Hoy (2001) shows the impact of low income on access to education in a startling way. The study determined that there was greater pressure on low income children to pursue a post-secondary education in comparison with the children belonging to high income level. These pressures might account for the increasing numbers of children from low income families enrolling in post-secondary education. However, these groups reported a higher drop-out rate. Again this disparity in drop-out rates indicates that pressures to supplement family income and the domestic pressures associated with low income may reasonably account for the higher drop-out rate of children from low income families (Chrstofides, Cirello and Hoy 2001, 177-178). In another study conducted by Wolfson (2005: 37), encompassing income inequality in Canada over the period from 1965-1983, it was discovered that income inequality is entirely stable. However, these inequalities and injustices could be controlled and eliminated provided government takes necessary measures in this regards and provides equal opportunities of growth to the Canadian citizens at large. (Wolfson 2005, 337). Inequality of income among Canadians therefore taxes the resources of social workers on a number of levels and a great deal depends on the anti-oppression approaches taken by social workers. Social workers are expected to deal with neighborhood decay and its impact on the health and safety of the neighborhood, its impact on the ambitions and general expectations of the children in these neighborhoods. Social workers will also have to cope with the health and education pursuits of non-Canadians caught up in the lower income as well as higher unemployment trends. The research findings indicate that domestic ties may pave the way towards the completion of post-secondary education of the members of minority racial groups, and same improved could be witnessed in health sector too. As an observer and an entirely objective individual, I have a profound respect for the value of an education in the social and economic development of our country. I truly believe that racial and social differences should not be a bar to equal opportunity. In addition, social justice and equality, particularly in the fields of health, education and employment, support a country to make swift progress and observe prosperity. Being a sensitive and compassionate individual, I vehemently condemn social injustice and all forms of oppression; even I may not directly suffer from the consequences of oppression. It is therefore, I heartily stand like rock in support of achieving the best possible justice and fair play to all people of my country; thus my ambitions would be extremely valuable asset to the social work practice and policy setting in Canada. Essentially, I fully dedicate myself to social work practice and education that is entirely anti-racist and anti-oppressive in its structure and design. My dedication lies on the very reality that neo-liberal ideologies have been entirely conducive to developing social constructs over the past thirty years that result in higher degrees of poverty, discouraging welfare programs via budget constraints with the result that the social service sector functions within a confined and limiting stratosphere. As a result, social services have been entirely limited in the manner and methods and can respond to those who are vulnerable to oppression (Strier and Binyamin 2009). The key to anti-oppressive approaches to social practice is to develop and apply an unbridled commitment to not only a more just society but also a more inclusive one. (Dalrymple and Burke 2006, 2). Although it is not necessary to be “born fighters” it is necessary for today’s social worker to be wholly committed to a practice geared toward anti-oppression which is characterized by both outrage and compassion (Dalrymple and Burke 2006, 2). Since it is really essential for the social workers to become more culturally and socially sensitive, (Baines 2007, 13-43), I find myself the most suitable person for this field. This is one of the greatest challenges facing any new entrant to social work and indeed concerns me as I endeavor to earn a distinguished place in social work by exercising all my capabilities and expertise in the field. My underlying goal is to help the people vulnerable to oppression and the systematic limitations relative to social policies and welfare constraints that are now undermining all efforts to confront and challenge the social injustices implicit and explicit to anti-oppression. Since Canada is replete with multicultural characteristics with a highly professional social service system, it should adopt the measures that could project and promote equality and justice to combat with increasingly neo-liberal global economy. Thus, I am determined to fight tooth and nail against discriminative culture prevailing in my land. There are a wide range of anti-discrimination laws against racial, ethnic, religious and gender discrimination, as well as bias on the basis of disability and sexual orientation. Moreover, laws promoting equal pay and equal employment opportunities also prevail in Canadian society. The key to anti-oppression practice is therefore to be well informed of these laws and to instruct and counsel along those lines. This will help those who are oppressed to understand that there are health and other essential services available to them in appropriate circumstances. The incidents of under-self reporting of health issues can be addressed so that health and safety among marginalized groups can be minimized. It is similarly important for the guardians of the children belonging to of lower stratum to be well-informed regarding the social programs and economic assistance available to them by virtue of legislation. In this regard, they may take advantage of these opportunities rather than surrendering their post-secondary education in favor of lending human capital to families in distress. The students, well-aware with the prevailing social policies may contribute to break the chain of oppression. Once they drop out of college, they return to the same cycle of oppression with the result that the social and economic problems associated with oppression are perpetuated. The legislators, the judiciary and executive can play their role in eliminating discrimination from society. Their joint effort may be fruitful in lifting the barriers to inequality and social injustices. Once those barriers are lifted by institutions and systems run by governments and private enterprises, society and individuals will automatically imitate the same in their everyday life. While it may not be able to completely annihilate discrimination and oppression, it can be minimized to such an extent that the levels of injustice and inequities experienced in basic needs and services are effectively minimized. In the final analysis, anti-oppressive theory and its practice in social work expects social workers to recognize the specific working of and consequences of oppression as it relates to sex, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation and the disabled (Baines 2007). Only when we understand these aspects of oppression and the constraints and leeway provided socially, politically, economically and legally can we as social workers help our clientele to achieve equality by working within these constraints and cash in on the broader empowerment of the law. Bibliography Baines, D. (2007) “Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice: Fighting for Space, Fighting for Change.” Cited in Baines, D. (ed). Doing Anti-Oppressive Practice. Fernwood books. Christoofides, L.N.; Cirello, J. and Hoy, M. (2001) “Family Income and Postsecondary Education in Canada.” The Canadian Journal of Higher Education, Vol. 31(1): 177-208. Coser, Lewis Alfred. (1977) Masters of Sociological Thought Cudd, A. (2006) Analyzing Oppression. Oxford University Press Dallrymple, J. and Burke, B. (2006) Anti-Oppressive Practice. McGraw-Hill International. Fong, E. and Gulia, M. (2007) “Differences in Neighborhood Qualities among Racial and Ethnic Groups in Canada.” Sociological Inquiry, Vol. 69(4): 575-598. Humphries, K. and van Doorslaer, E. (2000) “Income-Related Health Inequality in Canada.” Social Science and Medicine Vol. 50(5): 664-671. Lancaster, J.; Waryold, D. and Timm, L. (2008) Student Conduct Practice: The Complete Guide for Student Affairs Professionals. Stylus Publishing, LLC. Mishel, L.; Bernstein, J. and Boushey, H. (2003) The State of Working America. Cornell University Press. Picot, G. and Myles, J. (2005) “Income Inequality and Low Income in Canada: An International Perspective”. Statistics Canada/University of Toronto and Statistics Canada, Business and Labour Market Analysis, 2-31. Schwarzbaum, S. and Thomas, A. (2008) Dimensions of Multicultural Counseling SAGE Publications Strier, R. and Binyamin, S. (2009) Developing Anti-Oppressive Services for the Poor: A Theoretical and Organizational Rational. British Journal of Social Work http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/bcp122 (Retrieved July 24, 2010). Tomlinson, D. and Trew, W. (2002) Equalizing Opportunities, Minimizing Oppression. Routledge. Turner, F. (2005) Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work. Wilfrid Laurier University Press. Webber, M. (2008) Rethinking Society in the 21st Century: Critical Readings in Sociology. Canadian Scholars Press. Wolfson, M. (2005) Stasis Amid Change Income Inequality in Canada 1965-1983. Review of Income and Wealth. Vol. 32(4): 337-369. Read More