Week 13/14: Empowerment & Anti-Oppressive Theories Flashcards
(19 cards)
Is AOP a lens framework or a specific set of intervention skills?
AOP = a lens that informs a SW’s practice, rather than a set of specific skills or techniques.
What was AOP originally focused on?
Macro-level work, originally, however, social worker now implement it in micro-level work too (like in therapy settings)
EX: A therapist reflects on their bias, asks critical Q’s about their practice, ponders on the consequences of an official diagnosis, etc.
What are the 2 key themes that underpin AOP? Define them.
1) REJECT NEUTRALITY
Reject both the idea that the status quo is acceptable and the notion that social work is a politics-free zone // Who has the right and opportunity to feel positive about themselves, their identities, and their future? SW’s constantly dissect how every act is political
2) BRIDGE THE MICRO-MACRO GAP
Referring to the age-old debate of whether social work should be primarily focused on providing individual treatment/case management OR engaged in social reform efforts // Spoiler alert: it should be a blend of both!
What are the 5 key concepts that have implications for AOP practitioners?
1) Critical self-reflection [your own assumptions of the client and your personal bias/privilege checked]
2) Affirming identities/experiences
3) Participatory approaches [client is the expert]
4) Explore strengths [avoid pathologizing]
5) Promote empowerment [connecting clients to resources or social groups that empower them; EX: a disabled therapist refers a disabled client to a disability advocacy group]
What are some settings that AOP can be applied?
Families (LGBTQ issues), Groups (a blend of individuals and behaviors), Organizations… you get it!
Discuss the CONS of AOP
There is too much blending of theoretical frameworks (Postmodernism, Anti-racism, Feminist theory; Marxism, Queer theory) and shit is messy!
AOP needs to define CLEAR criteria!
Social Workers in certain fields (non-profit, legal, policy) experience funding restraints and are forced to operate under status quo
Discuss the PROS of AOP
The eclectic approach to blending various theories is dynamic & appropriate for modern social work and ever-changing social conditions!*This is also why it sucks!
Anti-racism has been critiqued for focusing solely on race/class, so AOP is the perfect solution because it blends other crap
A holistic approach that is congruent with NASW values of social justice, significance of human relationships, and dignity/worth of person
Briefly describe what Feminist Theory is
Operates within a human rights and social justice framework
Goal of building a more compassionate world (clinically and community oriented)
Stresses that gender must be considered when examining effects of oppression
What are the 4 concepts of Feminist Theory?
[1] Mutuality;
[2] Critical self-awareness;
[3] Cultural-relational approach;
[4] Collaboration
BOTH empowerment theory and anti-oppressive theories borrow from the feminist perspective
What are some general beliefs held by AOP practitioners?
Social structures and environments that create inequalities must be challenged
Cannot adequately address social problems (depression, addiction, suicide) without considering the role played by poverty and experiences with discrimination
What are 3 key terms or definitions that are central to AOP framework?
Oppression: Targeting and denying individuals access to opportunities and resources, based on the perceived membership in social groups // the “isms” AKA ableism, sexism, racism, etc.
Privilege: The unearned advantages that some groups have that allow them greater access to resources and opportunities.
Intersectionality: The complex ways people experience the above two definitions, oppression & privilege // We must look at an individual’s privilege or oppression in different contexts for each of their identities
According to AOP, what are the levels of oppression?
PERSONAL/INDIVIDUAL
Overt (threats; violence) & Covert (stereotypes; assumptions; microaggressions) // All lead to internalized experiences of isolation or being “othered”
CULTURAL/SOCIAL
Cultural norms & values considered “appropriate” = set by the dominant culture // Think for example about what is represented on the news, TV, and social media
INSTITUTIONAL/STRUCTURAL
Structurally sanctioned oppression via laws, policies, and programs // Marginalized identities may be excluded at the social, economic, political levels
What are the components of Empowerment Theory practice? Discuss them.
Self-efficacy
The belief that one can affect change and reach goals // Requires high client abilities // It is considered the cornerstone of an empowerment intervention because it allows clients to change their responses to their social environment
Critical consciousness
The ability to recognize and analyze the societal realities (political, social, and economic) that impinge on one’s ability to meet one’s goals and fulfill one’s roles
Skill development
Develop skills and resources to meet personal, interpersonal, and community goals
According to Empowerment Theory, what are the levels of oppression?
Solomon coined two levels of power or “power blocks” that inhibit empowerment for clients
LVL 1: Indirect Power Blocks → occur in the developmental process
LVL 2: Direct Power Blocks → occur when social institutions discriminate/block access
Example: A child is born into family violence and he cannot handle stress appropriately (LVL 1) –> He later cannot access proper education services, nor adequate healthcare (LVL 2)
How might an Empowerment Theorist operationalize a successful “outcome”?
To increase in power across the domains of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and their community
Gutierrez developed 4 dimensions or problem-solving activities that make up an empowerment-based INTERVENTIONS… What are they? Discuss them.
CLIENT-WORKER RELATIONSHIP
Addresses immediate needs or problems
EDUCATION & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Idk.. self-explanatory I think
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTS
Access to programs and systems
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Education and skill sets for social action and macro change
According to Empowerment Theorists, what are the 4 levels of empowerment?
Intrapersonal, interpersonal, collective (community), and political.
Discuss the pros and cons of AOP
PROS –
The eclectic approach to blending various theories is dynamic & appropriate for modern social work and ever-changing social conditions!*This is also why it sucks!
A holistic approach that is congruent with NASW values of social justice, significance of human relationships, and dignity/worth of person
CONS –
There is too much blending of theoretical frameworks (Postmodernism, Anti-racism, Feminist theory; Marxism, Queer theory) and shit is messy!
AOP needs to define CLEAR criteria!
Social Workers in certain fields (non-profit, legal, policy) experience funding restraints and are forced to operate under status quo
Discuss the pros and cons of Empowerment Theory
PROS –
Congruence with NASW values of SW
Power is not just acknowledged as a dynamic, it is also literally a service plan goal for the client
Micro/mezzo/macro intersections means it can be applied across settings like therapy, families, and groups or policy advocacy
CONS –
There is debate on whether this is a process or a practice model
Cannot be clearly defined or measured; messy
Potentially dangerous if a SW fails to recognize how they inherently disempower clients sometimes via Social Work systems
