This reflection paper examines the themes of oppression, power, and diversity as they apply to social work practice. Drawing on two core texts — Anderson and Carter's "Diversity Perspectives for Social Work Practice" (2003) and Appleby, Colon, and Hamilton's "Diversity, Oppression, and Social Functioning" (2007) — as well as classroom peer discussions, the author explores how multicultural societies present distinct challenges for social workers. The paper considers the social worker's responsibility to challenge oppressive thinking, respect cultural differences, and apply anti-oppressive frameworks. It concludes with personal commitments to future practice that prioritize equity, cultural competence, and the active challenging of discrimination.
In preparation for this reflection, I took time to review the progress I have made in my pursuit of a career in social work practice. As part of this review, I read Diversity Perspectives for Social Work Practice (Anderson & Carter, 2003) and Diversity, Oppression, and Social Functioning (Appleby, Colon & Hamilton, 2007). I also reflected on the discussions we had in the classroom during the previous semester.
Reflecting on these readings and classroom discussions — particularly around the themes of oppression, power, and diversity in social work — the factor that stands out most for me is the subject of a multicultural society that lacks equality among its members. It is evident that the society in which we live is multicultural, encompassing people from diverse backgrounds. This diversity presents a significant challenge in the process of offering social services to those who need them most. Furthermore, these reflections revealed that social workers can themselves contribute to multiculturalism becoming a negative experience for marginalized groups, rather than a positive one.
The classroom discussions made clear that there are many issues within the profession about which I previously had little knowledge. My initial studies had not presented the profession as one carrying these kinds of challenges, but the discussions opened my eyes considerably. They prompted me toward further reading, which led me to the two texts cited above. In both books, I noticed a recurrent focus on oppression within the social work environment and its relationship to power and diversity.
In the social work context, practitioners make decisions on behalf of their clients on a daily basis. Because social work is a profession of service to the broader society, it involves meeting and engaging with people from many different societal backgrounds. This means that social workers have an obligation to recognize and engage with diversity and multiculturalism within their practice. Multiculturalism and oppression are closely related subjects, and addressing oppression within diverse communities falls squarely within the remit of social work. The General Social Care Council Code of Practice states that practicing social workers ought to respect diversity and different cultures and values (Laird, 2008). Additionally, practitioners have an obligation to understand the multi-dimensional landscape of diversity that forms the multicultural society.
The responsibility for learning about diversity begins with the individual social worker. Personal reflection is therefore a necessary starting point in addressing oppression arising from societal diversity and the unequal distribution of power. Anti-oppressive social work also contributes meaningfully to this process of understanding (Anderson & Carter, 2003). The class discussions clearly illustrated the progress being made within anti-oppressive social work networks, and the peer discussions provided a platform for us to understand diversity issues and their relationship to oppression in practice.
From the readings and discussions, it became clear to me that social workers face the challenge of actively combating discriminatory and oppressive behavior — and must do so in a calm and diplomatic manner. Oppressive thinking can exist among social workers themselves, as well as among the individuals they serve (Appleby, Colon & Hamilton, 2007). This means that anti-oppressive practice applies to everyone involved. As a social worker, I have therefore come to appreciate the importance of openly challenging oppressive thinking among colleagues in the profession.
The classroom discussions also highlighted the value of open dialogue during the learning process itself. Through the sharing of experiences, it became evident that exposure to both sides of the discrimination issue is important for developing a nuanced understanding of how to approach it. The discussions showed that when students encounter these issues before entering the working environment, they are better prepared to respond effectively.
Understanding oppression requires students to engage with the core framework and standards of social work practice. This includes, first, understanding differences in self and others — that is, diversity. Second, it involves implementing a respect for those differences and actively challenging discrimination and oppression. Third, the framework equips students with the tools to challenge cultural assumptions that drive negative discrimination rooted in diversity.
Personal reflection within the class discussions gave me a new understanding of the topic and helped me recognize the immense responsibility placed upon social workers to better society through positive behavior and practice. These insights were reinforced by the readings, which together presented a comprehensive picture of the challenges and obligations inherent in the profession.
This learning experience opened a new view of the scope of social work. The subjects of diversity and power distribution in society are among the leading challenges facing the profession. This came through clearly in both the class discussions and the further reading I undertook. I learned that it is my responsibility as a practicing social worker to apply the profession's framework to address the challenges that arise when delivering services. The dilemma of the multicultural society is itself a challenge to addressing oppression. The class discussions expanded my understanding of positive working practices — including the importance of openly challenging oppressive thinking among colleagues. Lastly, I learned to approach social issues from a multidirectional perspective in order to develop a thorough understanding of the situation I am addressing.
"What was learned, how, why it matters, and future plans"
The professional codes of ethics for the social work profession are clear and stand firmly against oppression and the wrongful exploitation of power. However, social workers face real challenges in fully implementing these ethics, owing to difficulties created by societal settings and widespread misconceptions. This learning experience helped me recognize the need to take up this challenge — to actively involve myself in emancipating the communities I serve and in resisting the harm caused by oppression along lines of power and diversity.
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