Lecture 4: Oppression at the Cultural Level

Question 1

Culture

Answer 1

A system that members of society use to manage the world around them. Includes shared: beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts. Information is transmitted from generation through learning.

Question 2

What culture means to us

Answer 2

Apart of everything in our daily life and everyone participates in cultural practices. Many of those practices contribute to maintain the relationships of domination and subordination.

Question 3

5 characteristics that define stereotypes as an expression of cultural oppression

Answer 3

1. Defy logic/evidence -based on ideology therefore resistant to change
2. Tend to be excessively negative- therefore hurtful
3. Are so embedded in our thought process that we often do not realize that they are affecting our perceptions and actions
4. Group is homogenized- no exceptions to the rule
5. Perceived to be an essential aspect of the group- OW are lazy

Question 4

Oppressive role that social work has played as in cultural oppression

Answer 4

History of SW is rooted in oppression
Progressive profession
Anglo-Saxon perspective; practiced withing the dominant culture
Educational background the SSWs share
Social Work Act says they share common values and ethics