Please use the PowerPoints and the articles listed below to complete the discussion post. Each discussion should 2 full paragraphs. Please place all references used for each discussion under each.
Material for Discussion
- McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack.Peace and Freedom, (July/August),10-12.
- NASW (n.d.). Standards for cultural competence in social work practice.
- Pharr, S. (1988). The common elements of oppressions. Homophobia: A weapon of sexism (pp. 53-64). Inverness, CA: Chardon Press.
Media
- PowerPoint – Defining and Experiencing Difference
- PowerPoint – The Meaning of Difference
Discussion Post 2 : As social workers, we will engage individuals, families, groups and communities who have experienced oppression based on their status.
We have privilege, based on the power of our professional role, that our clients do not. How will you work with difference as a social worker? What can you do to address oppression?
Oppression and Differences
Student name
Student ID
Instructor’s name
Date
We have privilege, based on the power of our professional role, that our clients do not. How will you work with difference as a social worker? What can you do to address oppression?
Privilege refers to a special advantage or right that some population groups have access to based on their race, gender, and social status among others (McIntosh, 1989). Social workers engage with people from different backgrounds, including the privileged and those who are vulnerable and oppressed. When working with different people, social workers must adhere to specific standards. As per NASW (n.d.), social workers must possess both cross-cultural knowledge and skills. Cross-cultural knowledge includes an understanding of the values, traditions, and history of people from different population groups based on their religion, race, gender identity, physical or mental ability, and sexual orientation. Cross-cultural skills include those that demonstrate respect for and understanding of culture when working with clients. It is also important to engage in self-reflection which increases self-awareness and reduces the risk of bias when working with clients.
Social workers can address oppression by critically assessing their clients’ experiences with oppression to fully understand what they go through. The assessment should include a critical analysis of intersections of oppression including race, social class, gender, and sexual orientation and how they impact the lives of their clients. The findings of such assessments should be used to develop individualized interventions. Social workers should also focus on empowering vulnerable people and advocating for them (McIntosh, 1989). Social workers must demonstrate awareness of how social policies, programs, and practices impact client populations. They should then advocate for the development of policies that promote the wellbeing of their clients. Additionally, they should take part in the development and implementation of social policies that advocate for the oppressed and empower them to live better lives. Social workers can also help clients access community resources and utilize them to improve the quality of their lives (NASW, n.d.).
References
McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack. Peace and Freedom, (July/August), 10-12.
NASW (n.d.). Standards for cultural competence in social work practice. https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=PonPTDEBrn4%3D
Pharr, S. (1988). The common elements of oppressions. Homophobia: A weapon of sexism (pp. 53-64). Inverness, CA: Chardon Press