Feminist Theory |
Feminist perspectives on social work focus on explanations and responses of the oppressed position of women in most societies. It delves more in increasing consciousness on women’s roles and positions. Feminists hold the view that social and institutional factors shape the positions of women in a patriarchal society, ‘a system of thought and social relations that privileges and empowers men and creates relationships between males and females that disenfranchise, disempower and devalue women’s experiences’ (Payne 2005, p. 251). This patriarchal system in society manifests increased domination in terms of privilege and empowerment of men in sharp contrast to the subordination of women and their experiences. Coming from a patriarchal society, it was not surprising that this theory stood out for me. This theory had influenced my life before enrolling in the program by my work with women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and my subsequent master thesis on Coping Strategies of HIV Positive Women in Ghana. Feminist theory does not accept the current status quo of the competitive, hierarchical and authoritative manner in which decisions are made with its subsequent action (Van Den Berg & Cooper 1986). My specialization practicum with United Way gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with women groups residing in North of Mcknight communities, working to improve their livelihood at the community level. and gave me so much motivation. I desire and will continue to look for opportunities to work with women to address barriers in any form health, social and economic..
Again and quite importantly, feminist thinking within the social work profession is concerned about power relations that put women in the profession in disadvantaged positions by rejecting their lived experiences, competencies and values. Feminist in the profession call for the need to value the experiences of women as separate and different from those of men when gender issues arise (Payne 2005). For instance though majority of social workers are females, few women occupy high positions in the profession as compared to the fewer number of men social workers. To sum the theory, feminism ‘is concerned with ending domination and resisting oppression’ (Van Den Berg & Cooper 1986). Though it is a vision born of women, feminism ‘addresses social issues that has implications both for males and females, ethnic groups, impoverished, the disadvantaged, handicapped and the aged’ (Van Den Berg & Cooper 1986). |