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



Which ones resonate particularly for you?