The Reflection Of Social Work As A Social Worker

My learning from this week reading, class discussions, and lecture was informed that AOP is not a resolution to the injustice that continue to perpetuate in our community. However, Sakamot asked a remarkable question whether AOP can be anti-oppressive. This question is challenging and alarming because my impression is that social workers should practice using AOP theory. In addition, while reflecting on that question, the conclusion was drawn to determine the possibility that AOP is not anti-oppressive due to social workers enormous power over their client/service users, in such a way that it can be disempowering, leading to an oppressive act/action whereas they become withdrawn from the social worker who is supposed to provide services to

I concluded within myself that the unhelpful social worker fits these criteria. I was in every way oppressed by her position as a social worker and her power as a white woman. On the other hand, the first social worker I encountered was a ‘one-down position’ as Sakamoto discussed. This was evident because I became the teacher by telling her about my life story, my interest and my goal and she became the student learning about who I am, my experience, my goal and future plans. It was through her learning she was able to assist me in my educational journey. It might be through her learning that she probably felt that I am not one of those that rely solely on the welfare system and who refuse to improve their financial status. Whatever the case may be, I was not treated like

In the case of my first social worker that I encountered, my assumption is that my attitude towards her was positive and in return she reciprocated. Although, my assumption might not be relevant to her action, it might simply mean she sympathizes with my situation and felt the urge to support which may not have anything to do with my race, gender, socioeconomic status etc. Her impression may simply be that it her duty to assist based on her being anti-racist as a helper. On the other hand, my second social worker who systematically discriminated against me, probably reacted like that due to her experience with other people, or maybe she does not like the way I dress or tone of voice and probably she had a negative encounter with another African woman that made her distance herself making her oppressive towards me. Whatever the case, I could not judge both of them by their actions but to learn from them. What I learn though, is to be genuine and make a positive impact in the life of my client/s and not allow any preconceived notion to interfere with my judgment as a human being and a social worker whereby I will be oppressing and discriminating toward the individual that I