1. In working with the family system, point out ways that you could assist in diminishing the following (oppression, marginalization, alienation, privilege and power)?
Engaging diversity and recognizing difference in social work practice is key to diminishing oppression, marginalization and alienation. This is because diversity plays a major role in shaping the human experience, as well as in forming identity. Diversity itself is a complex issue that is affected by various variables such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, political ideology, and sexual orientation. These variables also have the capacity to create experiences of power and privilege. Thus, depending on the way in which these differences impact an individual’s life, one may experience oppression, marginalization and alienation.
Izzie is clearly a victim of marginalization and alienation, a situation that is largely linked to her Mexican background. In this case, ethnicity and culture are major factors that have exerted influence in Izzie’s identity …show more content…
Thus, in recognizing the big role that diversity plays in shaping the human experience, as well as its role in constructing identity, the social worker must draw from their knowledge of various populations to promote more effective engagement with clients. In addition, it is important to keep an open mind when engaging with clients, because this fosters meaningful interaction with the client. Diminishing privilege and power also involves recognizing flexibility in the rules and regulations regarding the rehabilitation and reunification of families affected by drug-related offences. The strict no-contact requirement while Izzie is undergoing drug treatment is likely to hamper the family’s intentions for an early reunification, yet they have all undergone extremely difficult times arising from