The Power of Oppression
Introduction
The power aspects of oppression are abundant throughout our world. This power of
oppression continuously moulds and changes the views of people in our society. Throughout
this course we have learned various aspects of power misuse on various groups within our
society as well as different theories and the history behind them. Through the next five sections,
we will reflect back, on five different areas specifically addressed, that has/is/will affect the
world around us.
Reflection One – Gender Identity Disorder
During week nine, we learned about gender identity disorder GID). Included in this unit
was various ethical concerns, gender binary, the history of GID, labeling in the DSM and the
expectations …show more content…
“Issues of transgender oppression—in general and as they relate to GID— should be
of paramount concern to social workers, not only because social workers are involved with the
diagnoses and treatment of individuals, but also because social workers are governed by a set of
4The Power of Oppression
ethical guidelines that draw attention to transgender oppression.” (Markman. 2009).
Throughout the medical field, Social Workers support individuals who have been officially
diagnosed with GID. This position enables patients with a support system, while social workers
use their power relationship to help eliminate oppressive behaviours faced inside the health
professional, the system and the community around them. I was not aware of the complexities
within this realm and was honestly shocked by the behaviour of individuals and how they
addressed people with GID. The complexity of working within a specific field such as GID, was
unconventional for myself, yet there is a part of me who is intrigued and eager to learn more.
Reflection Two – Critical Theory of Disability in Social Work - Doe discusses …show more content…
Goal oriented, and driven to succeed, these
are steps towards ending oppressive behaviour. I can only hope to be apart of such a strong force
in our world.
Conclusion - Through a clearer understanding of the abuse of power, we learn how
oppression articulates and manifests into a working level of power. (Mullaly, 2007) This
knowledge helps social workers come to realize that every human can easily be persuaded, one-
way or the other. Those who have learned behaviour can be re educated to help aide against
oppressive behaviour, while supporting those who are being oppressed.
As social workers, I believe it is our role to educate, support and motivate the people in
the world around us, while modeling what we have learned. Through education and knowledge,
those who are ignorant of oppression can be enlightened. This can be achieved through social
workers and individuals who are fighting for social justice. Through small steps, changing the
behaviour of individuals in the world around us can be achieved.
8The Power of
Introduction
The power aspects of oppression are abundant throughout our world. This power of
oppression continuously moulds and changes the views of people in our society. Throughout
this course we have learned various aspects of power misuse on various groups within our
society as well as different theories and the history behind them. Through the next five sections,
we will reflect back, on five different areas specifically addressed, that has/is/will affect the
world around us.
Reflection One – Gender Identity Disorder
During week nine, we learned about gender identity disorder GID). Included in this unit
was various ethical concerns, gender binary, the history of GID, labeling in the DSM and the
expectations …show more content…
“Issues of transgender oppression—in general and as they relate to GID— should be
of paramount concern to social workers, not only because social workers are involved with the
diagnoses and treatment of individuals, but also because social workers are governed by a set of
4The Power of Oppression
ethical guidelines that draw attention to transgender oppression.” (Markman. 2009).
Throughout the medical field, Social Workers support individuals who have been officially
diagnosed with GID. This position enables patients with a support system, while social workers
use their power relationship to help eliminate oppressive behaviours faced inside the health
professional, the system and the community around them. I was not aware of the complexities
within this realm and was honestly shocked by the behaviour of individuals and how they
addressed people with GID. The complexity of working within a specific field such as GID, was
unconventional for myself, yet there is a part of me who is intrigued and eager to learn more.
Reflection Two – Critical Theory of Disability in Social Work - Doe discusses …show more content…
Goal oriented, and driven to succeed, these
are steps towards ending oppressive behaviour. I can only hope to be apart of such a strong force
in our world.
Conclusion - Through a clearer understanding of the abuse of power, we learn how
oppression articulates and manifests into a working level of power. (Mullaly, 2007) This
knowledge helps social workers come to realize that every human can easily be persuaded, one-
way or the other. Those who have learned behaviour can be re educated to help aide against
oppressive behaviour, while supporting those who are being oppressed.
As social workers, I believe it is our role to educate, support and motivate the people in
the world around us, while modeling what we have learned. Through education and knowledge,
those who are ignorant of oppression can be enlightened. This can be achieved through social
workers and individuals who are fighting for social justice. Through small steps, changing the
behaviour of individuals in the world around us can be achieved.
8The Power of