Understanding Oppression and Social Work Approaches

Conflict Perspective

Society seen as a struggle among competing groups.

Anti-Racism Theory

Targets systemic racism and racial inequalities.

The Invisible Veil

Unconscious biases shaping perceptions and behaviors.

Microinsults

Subtle remarks conveying rudeness about identity.

Oppression

Multidimensional mistreatment based on differences.

Diversity

Recognition of varied experiences among racial groups.

Social Work Approaches

Methods to assist and empower oppressed individuals.

Marginalization

Exclusion of certain groups from societal participation.

Powerlessness

Lack of agency or control in societal structures.

Cultural Imperialism

Dominance of one culture over others.

Order Perspective

Society viewed as stable and unified by consensus.

Person-in-Environment (PIE)

Individuals influenced by their surrounding environments.

Systems Theory

Interconnectedness of various impacting systems.

Strengths Perspective

Focus on individuals' strengths and potential for growth.

Intersectionality

Explores overlapping social identities and their impacts.

True Liberation

Dismantling oppressive systems, not just power shifts.

Belief in Superiority

Strong belief in one's cultural heritage's superiority.

Unconscious Assumptions

Deeply ingrained beliefs influencing perceptions unknowingly.

Microassault

Using offensive language to demean others.

Earned Privilege

Gained through personal effort or achievement.

Educational Privilege

Access to specialized knowledge and training.

Stereotyping

Oversimplified beliefs about a particular group.

Individual Level

Unique personal experiences shape individual identities.

Group Level

Cultural matrix influences group beliefs and practices.

Universal Level

Shared human experiences across all individuals.

Myths of Oppression

Misconceptions that obscure true nature of oppression.

Exploitation

Taking advantage of marginalized individuals or groups.

Violence

Physical or psychological harm inflicted on individuals.

Reciprocal Transactions

Bidirectional exchanges between individuals and environments.

Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP)

Challenges power imbalances and systemic inequalities.

Client Empowerment

Encouraging clients to take control of their lives.

Cultural Humility

Acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural perspectives.

Critical Thinking

Systematic evaluation of beliefs and assumptions.

Social Justice

Efforts to rectify inequalities and ensure dignity.

Redistribution of Oppression

Oppressing former oppressors perpetuates harmful dynamics.

Marginalized Groups

Communities often excluded from societal power structures.

Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures by one's own standards.

Ethnocentric Monoculturalism

Dominant culture viewed as superior and exclusive.

Belief in Inferiority

Perception that other cultures are inferior.

Power to Impose Standards

Dominant group enforces its standards on others.

Manifestation in Institutions

Institutional practices favoring the dominant group.

Cultural Conditioning

Societal norms shaping perceptions without awareness.

Privilege

Opportunities afforded to individuals in society.

Unearned Privilege

Inherent advantages not based on effort.

Professional Status Privilege

Authority influencing power dynamics in relationships.

Gatekeeping Power

Control over access to vital resources.

Class Privilege

Access to networks aiding professional advancement.

Dehistoricising

Creating inaccurate narratives about a group.