This is 2014 and the social exclusion of the populace has intensified to such a degree that it can no longer be ignored. The aim of this essay is to therefore discuss the role of the social worker in tackling this growing issue in Wales. In order to come to a valid conclusion I will begin by looking into the definitions of some of the key terms used such as social exclusion, discrimination and oppression as these concepts are linked when discussing social exclusion. I will then move on to discuss the impact of social exclusion on the population of Wales. The last section of this essay will then concentrate on the role of social worker in tackling this growing issue. A social workers role in society is to empower and speak on behalf of the vulnerable.
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To define discrimination is to identify a difference, and that “difference is expressed in unfair treatment.” (Thompson, 2012, p. 6). Discrimination is therefore closely associated and often leads to oppression, as defined by Thompson (2001, p.34) as “hardship and injustice brought about by the dominance of one group over another … Oppression often involves disregarding the rights of an individual or group and it’s thus a denial of citizenship.” This can therefore lead to the individual or group feeling socially excluded. Social workers have to be familiar with the anti-oppressive practice as this can be an important tool in tackling social exclusion.
Social exclusion encompasses many different aspects including lack of availability of employment, transport, excluded from education and financial exclusion. Experiencing one of these elements can leave a person feeling isolated. This can have a considerable impact on the people who are struggling under the effects of some of the main causes. A 2009 report stated that “Ethnic minority groups, women, disabled people, children, young people and older people” experience social exclusion to a greater scale (EHRC, 2009, …show more content…
Social workers need an understanding of how the anti-oppressive practice can aid them in tackle this growing issue. This practice was developed to ensure social workers are working alongside service users taking into account the effects of oppression and inequality that people have experienced (Dalrymple & Burke, 2006, p.7). Oppression, like discrimination, is isolating a group, community or individual from participating in society (Alcock, 2006, p.122). The anti-oppressive practice can be used as a tool as it encourages social workers to ensure service users are feeling empowered, to advocate on their behalf and ensure they are involved in the decision making process in order for people to reclaim control (Darlymple & Burke, 2006,
To define discrimination is to identify a difference, and that “difference is expressed in unfair treatment.” (Thompson, 2012, p. 6). Discrimination is therefore closely associated and often leads to oppression, as defined by Thompson (2001, p.34) as “hardship and injustice brought about by the dominance of one group over another … Oppression often involves disregarding the rights of an individual or group and it’s thus a denial of citizenship.” This can therefore lead to the individual or group feeling socially excluded. Social workers have to be familiar with the anti-oppressive practice as this can be an important tool in tackling social exclusion.
Social exclusion encompasses many different aspects including lack of availability of employment, transport, excluded from education and financial exclusion. Experiencing one of these elements can leave a person feeling isolated. This can have a considerable impact on the people who are struggling under the effects of some of the main causes. A 2009 report stated that “Ethnic minority groups, women, disabled people, children, young people and older people” experience social exclusion to a greater scale (EHRC, 2009, …show more content…
Social workers need an understanding of how the anti-oppressive practice can aid them in tackle this growing issue. This practice was developed to ensure social workers are working alongside service users taking into account the effects of oppression and inequality that people have experienced (Dalrymple & Burke, 2006, p.7). Oppression, like discrimination, is isolating a group, community or individual from participating in society (Alcock, 2006, p.122). The anti-oppressive practice can be used as a tool as it encourages social workers to ensure service users are feeling empowered, to advocate on their behalf and ensure they are involved in the decision making process in order for people to reclaim control (Darlymple & Burke, 2006,