Anti-Oppressive Social Work: Ways of Knowing, Talking, and Doing

Anti-Oppressive Social Work: Ways of Knowing, Talking, and Doing provides the conceptual and theoretical background to unravel the intellectual puzzles posed by the authors' personal stories of oppression and anti-oppressive practice. This text works to provide students with the deep understanding that social workers must have a solid knowledge of society and its power relationships so they can create anti-oppression "in the moment" and in partnership with service users. The book begins by defining oppression and anti-oppression and examines ways to think critically about issues of power. It then goes on to explore specific forms of oppression (such as whiteness), as well as various isms (racism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, ableism, and sanism), colonization and decolonization, and the problem of poverty and social order. Ultimately, the authors contend that the "dream" of doing anti-oppression must be done in partnership with service users. Exercises, activities, and "Key Concept" boxes provide stepping stones and opportunities for students to apply anti-oppression to their everyday life and their future practice.