The importance of studying power and privilege as they relate to human development and social justice is that the latter cannot be achieved without deconstructing the prior concepts. Without universal acceptance, understanding, and acknowledgement of power and privilege mechanisms in society, human development will be hindered and social justice unattained. If dominant groups throughout the world believe they should be the ones to decide what social justice means and what human development represents, it is likely that it will have to work for their benefit. This paternalistic approach further oppresses the oppressed while keeping the oppressors empowered. Thus, an analysis and discussion of power and privilege is necessary.
In his book Power, Privilege, and Difference, Johnson (2017) recognized that difference (that being different is the problem) is often used to avoid confronting and dealing with privilege. "Ignoring privilege keeps us in a state of unreality by promoting the illusion that difference by itself is the problem" (Johnson, p. 12). This is because power and privilege have been socially constructed to be considered loaded concepts that set a much different conversational tone than something like …show more content…
Practitioners can bring the conversation into their communities by creating a secure space for people to share their experiences and reflections. When people feel comfortable they are more likely to participate; no one wants to talk about something that makes them uncomfortable. Talking about power and privilege should not be about blaming certain groups or about other groups seeking pity. Talking circles should establish a set of "ground rules" that prohibit offensive comments or behavior amongst
In his book Power, Privilege, and Difference, Johnson (2017) recognized that difference (that being different is the problem) is often used to avoid confronting and dealing with privilege. "Ignoring privilege keeps us in a state of unreality by promoting the illusion that difference by itself is the problem" (Johnson, p. 12). This is because power and privilege have been socially constructed to be considered loaded concepts that set a much different conversational tone than something like …show more content…
Practitioners can bring the conversation into their communities by creating a secure space for people to share their experiences and reflections. When people feel comfortable they are more likely to participate; no one wants to talk about something that makes them uncomfortable. Talking about power and privilege should not be about blaming certain groups or about other groups seeking pity. Talking circles should establish a set of "ground rules" that prohibit offensive comments or behavior amongst