Oppression and Social Work - Assignment Example

Oppression and Social Work Oppression is 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 relates to the inequities culminating from the unjust exercise of authority among groups, individuals, societies and communities. The oppressed are often denied opportunities. 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 from social constraints and practices which include restraints on legal rights, burdens and duties, stereotyping, practices, norms, social status, income and wealth. 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, banks, gender norms, media, stereotypes, class and caste systems, race/ethnic categorization systems, etiquette rules and norms. As Cudd (2006) explains: What all of these have in common are that they specify behaviors in specific situations for persons who fit 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 conduct or beliefs of an individual is 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). There are essentially five dimensions of oppression. The five dimensions according to Turner (2005) are “exploitation, marginalization and powerlessness of minorities,” as well as the “cultural imperialism and violence exerted by majority societies” (Turner 2005, 241). 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 relates to minorities (Turner 2005, 241). There is evidence of racial oppression in Canada’s labor market. Racial oppression in this regard refers to non-white Canadians or residents who are not natural born Canadians or can be classified as immigrants (Webber 2008, 225). As a white Canadian I am not a part of this group, but can certainly agree that the level of oppression suffered by this group is entirely unacceptable in the 21st century where opportunities have increased for education, health care, employment and other basic needs on unprecedented levels. 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 years or so. In fact the income differences between Canada and racial groups reached double levels. Even so, this income discrepancy illustrate only one of the many aspects of “socio-economic exclusion” confronted by 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 underrepresentation in professional and managerial positions have serious consequences for society and families in general. It creates a chain reaction where low self-esteem, economic struggles, crime and limited access to education and health care can be perpetuated so that it becomes a generational problem (Mishel, Bernstein and Boushey 2003, 96). As Picot and Myles (2005) explain, when low income remains specific to any specific group or individual for a long time, social and economic exclusion becomes more and more of a greater reality (5). Discrimination against low income groups which is more prevalent among non-Canadians and long racial/ethnic lines is evident in a number of ways. It impacts the quality of health and education and rebounds to neighborhood health and safety systems. Although compared to other groups in Europe and the US, Canada’s neighborhoods inhabited by racial and ethnic groups are significantly better in quality (Fong and Gulia 2007, 575). Even so, a study conducted by Fong and Gulia (2007) “there are persistent patterns of differences” in the quality of Canadian neighborhoods. This disparity is reflective of the fact that lower income brackets which is 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 where there is a high number of unemployed, families relying on welfare and subsisting on low income are also negatively impacted (Fong and Gulia 2007, 575). In a study conducted by Humphries and van Doorslaer (2000) in the late 1990s, it was determined that there was a significant disparity among lower income persons’ self reported healthcare initiatives among Canadians. 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). In a study conducted by Christofides, Cirello and Hoy (2001) the impact of low income on access to education was interesting. This study determined that there was greater pressure on low income children to pursue a post-secondary education and less pressure on high income children to do the same. 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 a study conducted by Wolfson (2005) covering income inequality in Canada over the period from 1965-1983 it was discovered that income inequality is entirely stable. However, government responses in terms of social insurance, can if properly and adequately distributed may minimize the social and economic disparities that automatically emanate from income inequalities (Wolfson 2005, 337). Inequality of income among Canadians therefore taxes the resources of social workers on a number of levels and a lot 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, higher unemployment trends. The research findings indicate that domestic ties may impact completion of post-secondary education and that low income impacts self-reporting in respect of health care. 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 and that in order for a country to prosper all of its residents should be accorded equal opportunities for education and other basic human needs. I am also compassionate in that I may not directly suffer from the consequences of oppression, I am entirely sensitive to and empathize with those who suffer inequities as a result of oppression. As Dalrymple and Burke (2006) note, once you share other’s distress or can sympathize with their distress you will not be able to turn your back on them (1). In this regard, as an advocate for achieving the best that our country can put out via equal opportunities, I would be an asset to the social work practice and policy setting. Essentially, I fully subscribe to social work, practice and education that is entirely anit-racist and anti-oppressive in its design. The reality is that over the past thirty years or so, neo-liberal ideologies have been entirely conducive to developing social constructs 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 in which they can respond to those who are vulnerable to oppression (Strier and Binyamin 2009). It has become necessary for social workers to become more culturally and socially sensitive (Baines 2007, 13-43). This is one of the greatest challenges facing any new entrant to social work and indeed concerns me as I endeavor to make a difference in social work. My underlying goal is to help those that are vulnerable to oppression and the systematic limitations relative to social policies and welfare constraints that are now undermining any and all efforts to confront and challenge the social injustices implicit and explicit to anti-oppression. It is important to come into the field with the understanding that Canada is a country replete with multicultural characteristics with a highly professional social service system, diminishing welfare state and in the face of an increasingly neo-liberal global economy. Even so, public funding and corresponding entitlements are vastly different in different areas of needs, so that there is a need to focus culturally and socially sensitive skills in areas where funding is sorely lacking (Baines 2007, 13-43). The key too 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). One of the first and most beneficial anti-oppressive approaches to social work practice is to look for the positive provisions in the law and to ensure that they are capitalized on and perhaps expanded upon for the benefit of the oppressed. As Dalrymple and Burke (2006) explain: This will be achieved by consideration of some of the principles that underpin the legislation bearing on health and social care practice (2). There are a wide range of anti-discrimination laws against race relations, sex discrimination, disability discrimination and laws promoting equal pay and equal employment opportunities. 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 children of low income families to be aware that there are 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. Since social services is an interpersonal sphere, it is important to help the individual student understand that by remaining committed to his/her post-secondary education, they will 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 fact is social work skills require instilling in the vulnerable the idea the anti-oppressive legislation goes well beyond narrow interpretations and requirements. It goes to the core of social, political and economic barriers to equality. In this regard, social workers can ensure that anti-discrimination laws are used to compliment anti-oppressive practices (Dalrymple and Burke 2006, 4). Since social workers are working with budget constraints the focus needs to be on the empowerment that comes with anti-discrimination laws. We need to help those vulnerable to oppression to understand their rights and institutional responsibilities under the letter of the law. They will have to be encouraged to insist that the barriers to equality are systematically lifted. Once those barriers are lifted by institutions and systems run by governments and private enterprises, society and individuals will automatically follow. While it may not be able to completely annihilate discrimination and oppression entirely, 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, class, 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. 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 Rationale.” 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