Abstract and Keywords
If social workers are to avoid unintended collusion with pervasive oppressive systems and if they are to be successful in promoting social and economic justice, a firm grasp of the nature of oppression with its dynamics of power and its systemic character is required. The concept of oppression is presented here, followed by discussion of its dynamics and common elements and the need for social workers to engage in anti-oppressive practice in order to expose and oppose oppressive relationships and systemic power arrangements.
Keywords: discrimination, power, diversity, racism, privilege, anti-oppressive social work practice
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