Social Justice

Discussion 1: Social Justice

 

As a social worker, you will often work with clients that are perceived as “others.” This “otherness” often leads to marginalization and barriers or limitations promoted by society and social institutions.  Marginalization is arguably the most dangerous form of oppression (Adams, 2013) because it eventually leads to social expulsion and material deprivation. Social work is a unique profession because it empowers those who are affected by the socially constructed barriers and biases that have perpetuated long-standing inequalities. As you begin your work with clients both as an intern and social worker, it is imperative to consider not only the individual (micro) concerns the client brings to the session but the environmental or macro factors that may have either created or perpetuated the concern. You can empower your clients by helping them identify and define the oppression they experienced throughout their lifetime. Social work’s commitment to social justice includes a hyperawareness of the social constructions that are used to limit some groups’ autonomy and viability while supporting others.

 

1.    Post an analysis of the dimensions of oppression and marginalization that might impact your future clients. 

  2.    Be specific in identifying the types of clients with whom you might work.

 

  3.    In your analysis, explain how the concepts of multiculturalism, power, and privilege are relevant to social work practice.

 

****Use a minimum of 2 references****

 

References

 

Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice. (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Press.

Chapter 3, (pp. 15–20)

Chapter 4, (pp. 21–35)

Chapter 5, (pp. 35–45)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion 2: Parenting and Substance Abuse

As a social worker, you will meet children and adolescents who are in complicated family situations and may require a variety of resources for support. There are many times when these situations involve drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and/or neglect. If these factors are present within a child’s or adolescent’s environment, it will impact their development. As mandated reporters, social workers are legally required to report any suspicion they have of child abuse or neglect to local authorities in an effort to ensure a healthier environment within which they can grow.

For this Discussion, review the case study “Working With Clients With Addictions: The Case of Barbara and Jonah.” Consider this week’s reading in the Learning Resources.

• 1.     Post an explanation of influences of Barbara’s addiction on Jonah’s future development.
• 2.     Describe an intervention that you would use for Jonah if you were the social worker in this case.
• 3.    Use the Learning Resources to support your answer. ****Use a minimum of 2 references***

 

References

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

Working With Clients With Addictions: The Case of Barbara and Jonah

Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA:  Cengage Learning.

Chapter 2 (pp. 62-111)