Transcript Small Group Dialogues on Oppression, Diversity, and Social Justice
Small Group Dialogues on Diversity, Oppression, & Social Justice
UNC School Of Social Work Jumpstart: Preparation For Practice August 15, 2014
Welcome!!
From Jump Start Program: •“In this activity, we will reflect on the legacies of oppression & social change that profoundly influence the practice of social work … We will begin to know one another as advocates; discuss the History of Oppression & Resistance; share experiences; & understand how awareness & confrontation of social injustice are woven into the curriculum. Our hope is that you will leave appreciating the gravity of the issues, coupled with excitement & hopefulness about your potential as agents of positive change.” Purpose of the Dialogues: • To lay a foundation for active reflection on oppression & social injustice throughout your social work education.
Why is this Important?
Conscious, critical reflection on social justice is central to social work practice & relevant to all work with marginalized groups • Oppression often relies on
unconscious, uncritical
acceptance of assumptions • AND, human service systems have the potential to perpetuate & reinforce oppression
From the Code of Ethics
Social workers pursue social change…with & on behalf of vulnerable & oppressed groups Social workers act to expand choice & opportunity…with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, & exploited people Social workers promote policies & practices that demonstrate respect for difference …safeguard rights…& confirm equity & social justice Social workers act against … domination, exploitation, & discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, marital status, politics, religion, immigration, disability
Advocate’s Autobiography
A chance to share experiences that shaped you as an advocate Share an example (a critical incident, perhaps) from your own life • What was important or significant about this experience?
• How did it support or challenge your assumptions & world views?
• What did you learn about the joyful &/or painful dimensions of advocacy?
What lessons have you carried forward?
Five Faces of Oppression
• The fruits of labor of one group are used to benefit another, to maintain power, status, & wealth
Exploitation
• Exclusion from the economy resulting in material deprivation & dependency, loss of privacy, choice, inclusion
Marginalization
• Lack of authority or means to exercise rights. Persons are devalued, cannot develop capacities
Powerlessness
• Establishment of a dominant group’s experience, culture, & understanding as the norm; others rendered invisible &/or deviant.
Cultural Imperialism
• Directed at members of vulnerable or marginalized groups; violence is systemic, tolerated, & based on fear & bigotry.
Violence
Exploitation
Chinese immigrants
• Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
African Americans
• Persistent exploitation of sharecroppers • Tuskegee experiments
American Indians
• Taking & mismanagement of Native land
Marginalization
Exclusion of women & people of color from labor protections Educational segregation of African American students Exclusion of Jewish persons from labor force & engagement in social & economic institutions
Powerlessness
Reproductive & sexual exploitation/colonization, & political disenfranchisement of women Institutionalization & oppression of persons with disabilities
Cultural Imperialism
Oppression based on culturally constructed & sanctioned hierarchies of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, & birthplace • Black Codes • Women’s Suffrage • Redlining & the GI Bill • Discrimination against Mexican Americans
Violence
Violent acts perpetrated on African Americans, Mexican Americans, women, LGBTQ persons, Native peoples • Lynching • Police raids & riots • Outright slaughter • Exposure to disease • Sterilization
Discussing the material in the form of “dialogue”
Dialogue: A Unique Process
Debate Discussion Dialogue
• Focus: Binaries • Goals: others & point out flaws Persuade • Success: Persuasiveness of argument, winning • Focus: A range of perspectives • Goals: Analysis & understanding • Success: Decisions, conclusions, action steps • Focus: Personal experience • Goals: Awareness, empathy, appreciation of complexity, identification of shared & disparate experiences • Success: Depth of understanding, continued dialogue, collaboration
Dialogue Guidelines
Assume positive intent • Articulating our thoughts can be tricky – let’s give each other space to say things imperfectly, &/or try again Ask clarifying questions focused on understanding rather than debating • “Help me to understand …” • “I’m curious about …” • “My experience with that has been a little different” Commit to confidentiality, realizing its limits Monitor your level of participation
Online Course Discussion
Beginning the discussion • What is striking to you from the material that you reviewed? What feelings are evoked? • What could you relate to on a personal or professional level? What was surprising to you?
Deepening the discussion • Where do you see the legacy of these historical events playing out in our society & culture presently? • How might dynamics of oppression impact the lives of your clients &/or your work with them?
Synthesizing • What patterns do you see/hear?
• Why does understanding this history matter?
Explores social injustice in historical, personal, institutional, & cultural manifestations Develops a way of seeing & thinking about the people whom we serve
Social Work Education
Fosters the ability to function as an ALLY
What is an Ally?
“… a member of a dominant group [who] works to dismantle any form of oppression from which she or he receives benefit [&] who engages in intentional, overt, consistent activity that makes privilege visible & facilitates empowerment of persons targeted by oppression”
Ayvazian, 2004
Becoming an Ally
Awareness of …
• One’s privilege & role in oppression • The experience of oppression for marginalized groups
Accountability…
• To oneself, one’s ethical code, one’s clients, one’s community • Commitment to ongoing education & self reflection
Analysis of…
• Interactions & systems that promote or condone oppression
Action…
• Speaking out against oppressive statements, actions, systems • Joining with other allies & members of oppressed groups in social action
Inspiration!
Quotes shared by School of Social Work Faculty