Introduction
The analysis of case study three will be centered around Jill who needs housing and is a victim of oppression in the forms of domestic violence, and discrimination through stereotyping and worker ideology. She is a client of a domestic violence organization that works on empowering clients to deal with issues centered around oppression and discrimination. As such, I decided to apply an Anti-Oppressive Theory, adapting Thompson’s PCS Model of discrimination to make her realize that she is not the cause of her problem but rather, the structural issues within the system. Empowerment approach with an adaptation of human rights; “Right to Safety and ‘Shelter’ will also be applied in her intervention to tackle her complex circumstances.
Case Analysis
Theories
An Anti-Oppressive Theory focuses on structural issues as the origin of the client’s problems. The PCS model infers that discrimination arises from the interaction of actions and values of our personal feelings and opinions because of cultural constructions that are situated within the structure of society. As Jill’s oppression sits within more than one area, it is compounding her issues. Thereby, becoming a source of confusion, discomfort, fear, and frustration.
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According to Dominelli (2012), an AOP represents an individual-centered philosophy aimed at changing the structural disparities that exist in the economic, political, social, and cultural structures of society. Thereby, transforming them to become more egalitarian to enable redistribution of power between the privileged and the oppressed. It aims at creating a user-empowering relationship by reducing the negative effects of social divisions and structural disparities in the work that is done between clients and workers, to provide more appropriate and sensitive services in response to people's needs regardless of their social status (Dominelli, 2012).
The second is the Empowerment approach is anchored on the premise that people who have control of their circumstances and can determine the outcomes of their lives, can achieve development and progress (Teater, 2010). This impact and control are constructed on one’s capacity and ability to gain access to significant resources that are essential to meet personal needs. Payne (2014) described empowerment as supporting clients by providing them with tools to increase their capacity to exercise their power and reduce the social or individual impediments they encounter.
Empowerment encompasses the principle that an individual is empowered when their worth and sense of self-esteem are increased and progressive. At the community level, empowerment is derived because of the development of essential resources and social transformation policies, that aid people to attain control and impact on their social environment. In the intrapersonal scope, empowerment is the result of knowledge creation and assessment of social challenges that are attained through shared experience.
Therefore, to be able to have a meaningful experience it is important that I take into consideration my use of language, a genuine collaboration between Jill and me, and be open in my communication. It is also important that I create a conducive atmosphere for rapport-building relationships and allow Jill to be a part of the decision-making process. Adams (2002) states that the empowerment approach provides social workers with the opportunity to increase the self-efficacy and capacity for improvement of the client. Invariably, this implies that by evaluating ways of assisting Jill, I can understand her areas of strength and those that need improvement.
Intervention
At the interpersonal level, I will raise Jill’s consciousness for her to realize that she is not the cause of her situation but rather the pitfalls in the system. To empower her, using early intervention, I will provide her with the necessary tools and information that will enable her to get priority housing, keep her children, and prevent her ex-partner from oppressing them. This will help reduce oppressive and disempowering interventions.
Arguing from a Human rights perspective on the Rights of ‘Shelter’ and ‘Safety’ for both her and her kids. I will apply for a court order to enable a condition of the breach to be placed on her ex-partner’s DVO restricting him from coming close to her and her children. In addition, Jill is being advised by Child Safety to go for DV counseling. This is a form of indirect discrimination where she is being distinguished between the ‘user’ and the ‘others’.
According to Raineri and Calcaterra (2018), discrimination implies identifying a difference, and Child Safety has classified her under the ‘user’. To me, Child Safety used a person-clinical approach because of her financial inability, to pathologize her as psychologically unhealthy (Strier & Binyamin, 2010). By providing Jill with the letter of Support, I am not only empowering her. Rather, I am giving her the ability to tackle her housing problem thereby, alleviating a bit of her frustration.
I will also need to work in partnership with Jill to know what she thinks about DV counseling. This will help me reduce the power imbalance between her and myself (Collins & Wilkie, 2010). Dominelli (2012) suggested that by using the ‘substitution strategy’ we engage people in conversations to expose and understand the dynamics of oppression. If she feels that it would be beneficial for her to access DV counseling, then it becomes necessary for me to draw out a plan that can make her achieve her goal.
Strengths and limitations
Anti-oppressive theory and empowerment approach explore the personal, cultural, and structural levels of discrimination. Although Anti-oppressive Theory comprises an Empowerment approach (Mackay, 2015) which is in line with the (AASW, 2013) definition of social work regarding its values towards social justice and empowerment, it is limited in advocating for structural or societal change. Hence, limiting social workers in their capability to change societal unfair practices.
Furthermore, long-term oppression may incapacitate people to develop the skills and strength to advocate for themselves (Payne, 2014). In Jill’s case, it may not be realistic to assume that providing her with the ‘letter of support’ and assisting her to apply for a court order would easily solve the problems. As we all know court proceedings are usually long, I might have to refer her to an aid lawyer for further assistance with this as she might need a professional voice to speak for her.
A limitation of empowerment is its potential to create conflict with managerial and organizational priorities (Mackay, 2015). Jill may not be appropriately supported if empowerment requires a longer time commitment and support that cannot be achieved due to organizational time limits and finances. Moreover, minimal interventions may not be enough in high-risk situations (Collins & Wilkie, 2010). Like in Jill’s case where her life and that of her kids are being threatened.
Critical Reflection
One thing I noticed with this case is that it gives room for a lot of theories to be applied. Unfortunately, because of my experience of oppression, I always seem to want to tackle domestic violence issues using an Anti-Oppressive theory. Although I feel it is appropriate in this case, it would be beneficial for me to explore and thoroughly articulate the situations surrounding any case. This will enable me to apply the best theory/theories to tackle the situation on a case-by-case basis. I also notice
Secondly, is the use of appropriate language. I realized that the use of appropriate language is essential to the success of the practice. Therefore, I must be mindful of the use of language to prevent becoming a source of oppression to my clients. Dominelli (2012) states that oppression of those we work with emanates not only through the forces within the society but also from us because of our position of power. It should be such that it does not reflect my demanding status of power but creates trust and an atmosphere for collaborative engagement.
According to Sakamoto and Pitner (2005), social workers should be critically conscious as it tasks them to be aware of power disparities and how stereotypes may involuntarily make social work practice an oppressive experience. Therefore, I will have to relinquish my pre-set beliefs and become a good listener to Jill’s issues and lived experiences to have a meaningful practice and prevent becoming an oppressor because of my own beliefs.
Further, I recognized my disadvantaged position being an individual that likes to fight injustice till the end, and an employee who is restricted by organizational policies, finances available to tackle issues and time limits in resolving issues and the organization being responsible for my income as my actions might be perceived as defying management policy (Zanzibar, 2018). All these make me wonder how/if I will be able to truly empower Jill effectively. Notwithstanding, it is my ethical responsibility to discharge my duty of care to Jill and still also to provide for my family. I need to find an equilibrium to balance the two.
Reflection on practice
In the professional discussion of this case, several different approaches were applied and discussed by my colleagues and me. While I used Anti-Oppressive Theory and Empowerment approach (4mins), another colleague selected Task-centred Theory and Strengths-based approach (4mins:30sec). One colleague used only Feminist Theory (8mins:47sec), while the remaining two both applied Feminist Theory with Empowerment and Advocacy approaches at (14mins:21secs) and (19mins:21secs) respectively, with the latter also adding Trauma Informed Care as a form of strengths-based approach as it helps us identify Jill’s coping strategies and evaluate her strengths.
One of the speakers outlined that the most important thing to tackle was the violence and not housing (12:00mins) and suggested that he would advocate for Jill to remain where she is or go wherever she wants. However, most of us agreed that both housing and safety are essential as they are fundamental human rights issues of an individual. At (17:50mins) one speaker brought another approach towards the DVO. She suggested that she would assist Jill to alter her own DVO by putting her address on it so that if her ex-partner went to her place, he would be arrested. However, she made us understand that this might have consequences and it would be necessary to inform Jill of the consequences.
One of my colleagues and I believed Child Safety was discriminatory with their suggestion of DV counseling (36mins:45secs). However, I got another perspective when the other three pointed out that it has been proven that people who have been victims of domestic violence lose their self-esteem (37mins:35secs) and often get entangled in the cycle of violence. Hence, we agreed that counseling would be necessary as it would make Jill understand why things have happened and enable her to work on her own self-esteem. Which in turn would minimize future harm.
One of the limitations identified by all of us was Jill’s situation was complex. As such, her case was not expected to be exhausted on her first visit as we might have to make referrals for her to seek legal assistance and provide room for a more long-term plan. Also, the context of the organization’s policies and operations has a great role to play in determining the time we spend with Jill and the type of service we can offer her.
Finally, we all agreed that the best theory for the case would be the Feminist theory. As it encompasses a bit of all the other approaches discussed.
Conclusion
As a trained and qualified social worker, it is important that I adhere to the principles guiding my practice. In line with my chosen theory and approach, I have learned that they are effective in exploring the personal, cultural, and structural levels of discrimination when engaging with clients. Furthermore, effective communication and my use of language are very important to prevent me from becoming an added source of oppression to the client and are necessary for a rapport-building relationship. Finally, oppression and discrimination can be in various forms and a vast knowledge of theories and principles will be vital in my practice to enable me to tackle them. Thereby, providing a meaningful experience for my client and me.
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