Deconstructing Oppression in India: A Case for Anti-oppressive Social Work Practice

Abstract

Oppression is largely understood as systematic discrimination and exploitation of people based on their membership in a marginalized group. The oppressive dynamics are pervasive and function on various levels, from the interpersonal to the larger oppressive economic and political structures. India, like several other Asian countries, is afflicted with marginalization and social exclusion based on caste, religion, class and gender, fostering a system of widespread oppression. It is vital for Social Workers to understand the dynamics of oppression to mitigate oppression at both micro and macro levels while simultaneously reevaluating and preventing their own complicity in perpetuating oppressive systems. Deriving from various radical social work approaches (anti-racist, feminist social work), the anti-oppressive framework offers a paradigm shift in the social work profession. Anti-oppressive practice is an emancipatory social work practice that aims at bringing about changes at structural and institutional levels and freeing people from vulnerabilities that current arrangements have imposed on them. The present paper explores the Anti-Oppressive approach to Social Work Practice within the Indian context. The paper argues that the social work profession must look beyond enhancing functioning and pursue the goal of social justice for all by confronting oppression.