In many societies, power and privilege are based on one’s membership in a dominant or non-dominant group. It is not a matter, though, of either having privilege or not. The dominant group varies based on the dimension of diversity. For example, you could experience privilege as Caucasian but oppression and “otherness” as a gay person.

Social workers often work with clients who are perceived as “others.” “Otherness” often leads to marginalization and barriers promoted by society and social institutions. As you begin your work with clients, consider not only the individual (micro) concerns brought to the session but also the environmental or macro factors that may have either created or perpetuated the concern. You can empower your clients by helping them identify and define the oppression they have experienced throughout their lifetime.

Use the ADDRESSING-GSA framework to explore your own diverse identities and your membership in dominant or non-dominant groups. You then examine how these identities might influence your relationship with clients.

Review the Learning Resources on power, privilege, and oppression. Focus on the Hays chapter, which describes the original ADDRESSING framework.
Complete the ADDRESSING-GSA Self-Assessment in the Learning Resources.
By Day 03/ 09/2022

Post a reflection on the ADDRESSING-GSA Self-Assessment and apply what you learned to social work practice. Copy included of my addressing GSA Self-Assessment included. Specifically, answer the following questions:

What insights did you gain from the activity in terms of your identities and aspects of power and privilege?
In what ways do you envision your diverse identities and associated power, privilege, or oppression influencing the social worker–client relationship? Provide an example.
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