Essay On Structural Social Work

Structural social work is concerned with the broad socio-economic and political dimensions of society and the impact of these systems in creating social problems. This approach concerns itself with how the dominant and/or majority group define and constrain the minority, arguing that individual failings arise from specific societal context. Its primary goal, therefore, is to reduce social inequality through the transformation of oppressive structures and the emancipation of those who have been oppressed. However, the structural social work model falls short in inclusivity of minority groups. In order to aid in structural social work’s fight for equality, June Ying Yee introduces anti-racism praxis in her article, “Critical Anti-Racism Praxis: …show more content…
Baskin states that the oppression of First Nations, as a result of colonization, exist to feed White privilege, a system that maintains domination above First Nations people (cite). For this reason, Baskin advocates the adoption of an Aboriginal perspective, understanding that accommodating structural social work to the Aboriginal’s belief systems encourages healthy community development among Aboriginal peoples. An Aboriginal perspective provides guidance in the decolonization process in schools of social work by raising awareness about the origin of Aboriginal people’s oppression. What is more, unlike structural social work, an Aboriginal perspective considers spirituality in healing and guides social work practice to a more holistic and inclusive practice (cite). Baskins therefore concludes that effective work with First Nations peoples can be achieved if an Aboriginal perspective works in partnership with structural social