1.My understanding of critical social work is …

Critical social work is an evolved, transformative approach to social work that challenges and confronts deep-seated systems of inequality, oppression, and privilege. This understanding is shaped by Mullaly & West (2018)'s "Challenging oppression and confronting privilege". They propose a social work that goes beyond helping. Instead, it is a commitment to understanding and fighting systemic factors that cause people's problems. This treatment dissects the disease, not just relieves symptoms.

Critical social work requires a strong, proactive effort. It recognises the complex relationship between personal experiences and societal structures and advocates for transformative solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms. Pease's (2010) "Undoing privilege: unearned advantage in a divided world" supports this. He meticulously exposes our societies' hidden privilege structures.

Critical social work becomes a mission to reveal, challenge, and fix these hidden structures through such profound insights.

My understanding of why critical social work is important in contemporary social work practice...

Today's complex global landscape, where social justice, equity, and human rights are more important than ever, makes critical social work essential. Our current problems, from racial injustices to economic inequality, are the result of entrenched social structures.

Social workers must go beyond support to solve these problems. They must be trained, equipped, and willing to dissect and challenge the systems that cause these issues.

Mullaly & West (2018) argue that a superficial understanding of oppression and privilege is inadequate. They stress that without a deep understanding of how these forces are embedded in social norms, regulations, and daily practises, our well-intentioned efforts may reinforce the inequality we seek to eliminate. A non-critical approach may lead us to myopically help people adjust to an unjust system rather than revolutionise it.

Pease (2010) adds to this dialogue by observing that privilege, though hidden, often benefits some groups at the expense of others. Modern social workers must pierce this shroud as a duty. Without this depth of perception, harmful narratives that unfairly blame individuals' struggles on personal flaws while ignoring massive systemic forces can be reinforced.

Critical social work helps practitioners understand and respect diverse experiences in a rapidly globalising world where cultural intersections are the norm. By understanding these experiences' systemic causes, social workers can provide empathetic and effective support. They can challenge harmful social narratives, promote systemic reforms, and help create a just and equitable world.

Critical social work is a clarion call for social work's future, not just a method or theory. It calls for the next generation of social workers to have perspectives, insights, and tools that go beyond change to transform. In an increasingly complex world with interconnected challenges, critical perspective advocacy isn't just an academic exercise—it is a dire necessity for the profession's evolution and the global betterment of society.

2.Define your social location

Middle-class, cisgender, heterosexual Asian male, deeply rooted in Hindu culture and traditions, my social location is complex. My childhood was shaped by Hindu philosophies, rituals, and teachings in Asian culture. This environment, with its vibrant festivals, familial bonds, and ancient traditions, shaped my identity and worldview.

What have you learned about your own privilege and/or oppression?

Asian men have had to learn about privilege and oppression. Being heterosexual in a heteronormative world has given me privileges. Many LGBTQ+ people face sexual orientation-based biases, but I have never had to. Mullaly & West (2018) illuminate these systemic structures and highlight some identities' advantages.

Asian identity has been a double-edged sword for me. It gave me a rich heritage and a unique perspective, but it also taught me stereotypes and biases. These experiences, such as being assumed to be academically inclined due to the model minority stereotype or facing subtle but stinging micro-aggressions in daily interactions, have deepened my understanding of identity-based challenges.

My Hindu faith has strengthened and weakened me. The vast reservoir of Hindu beliefs, stories, and traditions has guided me, but in global settings where Hinduism is less known or misunderstood, I have encountered ignorance or biases. These events have highlighted the challenges religious minorities face, especially in diverse settings.

How does your social location inform your world view? How might this influence your future social work practice?

The diversity of my Asian and Hindu experiences has shaped my worldview. Hinduism's emphasis on life's interconnectedness, karma, and dharma has instilled compassion, empathy, and respect for all life. My social work practise will be based on this holistic view of everyone's worth and divinity.

An insightful look at unearned privileges by Pease (2010) emphasises the need for self-reflection. As a heterosexual man in a heteronormative society, I must recognise my privileges. My self-awareness will motivate me to make my practise inclusive and actively seek to understand and address diverse identities' unique challenges.

I will use my Asian Hindu experiences to guide my social work. Understanding the cultural, religious, and sexual orientation challenges minority communities face, I want to promote respect, understanding, and validation of diverse experiences. Hinduism's many teachings on unity in diversity will guide my approach to make every client feel seen, valued, and understood.

As someone from a culture that values family and social norms, I understand the importance of considering these dynamics in therapy. I respect and value cultural and familial ties, but I also value individual autonomy, well-being, and personal growth. My practise will focus on balancing cultural and familial values with individual rights and well-being.

Finally, my unique social location is a window and mirror. A window into my rich tapestry of experiences, beliefs, and traditions and a mirror of my identity's challenges and privileges. Based on the readings and my personal journey, I want my social work to challenge, advocate, and transform as well as support and understand. I want to be a social worker who inspires empathy, understanding, and positive change in a changing world.

Privilege and power have been central to my understanding of society. The implications of these abstract ideas are significant, especially in social work.

3.Why is it important for social workers to consider power?

Social interactions revolve around power. Understanding institutional, interpersonal, and societal power structures is essential for social workers seeking meaningful change. 

Social work is about promoting positive change in individuals, families, and societies. Understanding the systems is necessary to change them. Power dynamics often determine who is heard, given resources, and marginalised.

Social work interventions may perpetuate inequality by not acknowledging and challenging power structures. A person without a critical understanding of power may focus on helping people adapt to an unjust system rather than advocating for systemic changes that address root causes.

Internal and external power exist. The internalised power dynamics of a person can affect their self-image, aspirations, and interactions. Real empowerment and self-efficacy require recognising and addressing these internalised power structures.

Why do you think privilege is invisible?

Privilege is inherently secretive. Like an unnoticed river current, it shapes the course. Pease (2010) shows how privilege is often overlooked, especially by those who benefit. But why is privilege elusive?

Reasons include social normalisation. Social norms and structures often embed privileges, especially those based on race, gender, economic status, or sexual orientation. These privileges become normalised, making them hard to spot. Because they have never faced racial biases, a person without them may struggle to see their racial privileges.

Privilege often means no challenges, not advantages. It is about not being randomly stopped by police, micro-aggressions in daily interactions, or identity-based prejudices. Although significant, these absences are harder to spot than overt advantages.

Finally, acknowledging privilege is uncomfortable and introspective. Recognition of unearned privileges can be unsettling, so many deny or downplay them. This psychological defence hides privilege.

I have learned that power and privilege are two sides of the same coin. They frequently cross paths and reinforce each other. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for future social workers. Make interventions holistic, informed, and transformative.

In conclusion, understanding privilege and power has humbled and enlightened me. It stressed continuous learning, introspection, and advocacy. A more equitable, just, and inclusive society starts with recognising and addressing disparities and challenges in a world full of them. Based on the readings and my own reflections, I want my social work to be about advocacy, empowerment, and transformative change.

 

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References

Mullaly, B., & West, J. (2018). Challenging oppression and confronting privilege: A critical approach to anti-oppressive and anti-privilege theory and practice (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. 
Pease, B. (2010). Undoing privilege: unearned advantage in a divided world. Zed Books.