Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice./ Cross cultural issues for social workers
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This course provided me with the opportunity to critically examine theoretical frameworks for viewing marginalized, racial,ethnic and cultural groups in society. It also gave me the chance to know the historical and contemporary experiences of marginalized people which normally result from the domination of Eurocentric world views are usually on the basis of class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ability and sexual disability. Our society is organized based on racist beliefs and expectations, which are so inherent and virtually exist within individuals
Arguing from the perspective of a black woman and also an immigrant to Canada, I take the position that racial minorities face a number of institutional and individual challenges, some of which may be due to racism, in their daily activities. Again, there is no doubt of the dominance of Western ideals in much of contemporary Social Work. Some of these existing theoretical paradigms developed to fight racism might be ethnocentric in nature. This is because Euro-Americans hold a self-righteous stance that their views are the proper and best ones to be held by all peoples of the world, and that they have the tradition of creating real and authentic knowledge (Hart 2002, pp. 25-28). This I found very challenging and frustrating at times. However the significance of the history and experiences of the aboriginal community in Canada for example and for that matter black people suggests that as a critical social worker, I must strive to go beyond the Eurocentric approach in the provision of services to these clients. This is because various societies have their own theories, approaches and practices of helping (Hart, 2002). With a postmodern approach to dealing with conventional rules to fight racism may not work anymore and that alternatives can be created. (Carnoil, 2005). zNot flaunting any privileged position one may occupy, avoidance of domination and respect for varying histories and perspectives are some of the ideals that should help shape the relationship you have with other people. In as much as the issue of racism has become so inherent in society and probably normalized, the rise of anti oppressive social work and critical theory gives hope for the promotion of social justice and combating racism. I have come to the realization that even as an individual and my capacity as a social worker- an agent of change, I must be able to speak on any issues of oppression spanning from personal identity to the larger societal level for any oppressed individual that society might have been prescribed due to the dominant discourses that prevail. |