because government programs designed to give assistance were insufficient. Although budget cuts I advocated for mobilizing resources and networking with agencies as a way to empower individuals. Similarly social workers in Canada are most often the voice for change and advocate for transforming social situations (Mullaly, 2010). Likewise, although conventional theories informed my practice, some notions of progressive theories were implemented without noticing. As an illustration of this dichotomy, I draw upon my practice experience in which a policy change was needed to improve peoples´ wellbeing. Anti-oppressive practice in Canada indicates that proposing a policy change implies people´s participation and communication (Sitter & Curnew,
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Unfortunately, I considered social work profession as a pragmatic assignment deprived of cognitive work. Consequently, my practice in Colombia was enclosed in an idealistic practice, and I was not conscious of the use of diverse theories and approaches implemented in my interventions. As Howe (1987) argues that theory is an essential component of professional practice and professionals are unconvinced of the theory learned in academic programs. Therefore, the outcome of this misconception is a theoretical ignorance as a justification for a “dishonest practice” (as cited in Mullaly, 2010, p. 1). Contrarily, Canadian social work practice acknowledges the significant contribution of theories to understand practice approaches, and this reflection helped me to understand that conceptions, models, and theories have escorted my interventions without realizing. What I have learned about Canadian social work practice is to understand the richness of theories and how they can change interventions and social realities in multiple …show more content…
However, the theoretical framework used to orientate social work practice differs from one country to another. On the one side, conventional approaches such as holistic perspective and system theory led my work in Colombia. On the other side, the anti-oppressive approach and progressive theories guide Canadian social work practice. Likewise, my role in the field of community development indicates that I wanted to produce a change in both the client and the context rather than a structural change. Conversely, I used some skills of the anti-oppressive approach such as collectivization, empowerment, and consciousness-raising in my work without realizing. In addition, I have expanded my knowledge of different theories that may change my current practice. In fact, the anti-oppressive approach has provided me with the ability to recognize opportunities for structural practice (social location, intersectionality, interlocking perspectives) and has offered me the conviction of following this professional
Unfortunately, I considered social work profession as a pragmatic assignment deprived of cognitive work. Consequently, my practice in Colombia was enclosed in an idealistic practice, and I was not conscious of the use of diverse theories and approaches implemented in my interventions. As Howe (1987) argues that theory is an essential component of professional practice and professionals are unconvinced of the theory learned in academic programs. Therefore, the outcome of this misconception is a theoretical ignorance as a justification for a “dishonest practice” (as cited in Mullaly, 2010, p. 1). Contrarily, Canadian social work practice acknowledges the significant contribution of theories to understand practice approaches, and this reflection helped me to understand that conceptions, models, and theories have escorted my interventions without realizing. What I have learned about Canadian social work practice is to understand the richness of theories and how they can change interventions and social realities in multiple …show more content…
However, the theoretical framework used to orientate social work practice differs from one country to another. On the one side, conventional approaches such as holistic perspective and system theory led my work in Colombia. On the other side, the anti-oppressive approach and progressive theories guide Canadian social work practice. Likewise, my role in the field of community development indicates that I wanted to produce a change in both the client and the context rather than a structural change. Conversely, I used some skills of the anti-oppressive approach such as collectivization, empowerment, and consciousness-raising in my work without realizing. In addition, I have expanded my knowledge of different theories that may change my current practice. In fact, the anti-oppressive approach has provided me with the ability to recognize opportunities for structural practice (social location, intersectionality, interlocking perspectives) and has offered me the conviction of following this professional