Lecture 5: Oppression at the Structural Level

Question 1

Structural oppression

Answer 1

Historical- SW defined its work in terms of dealing with those negatively affected by economic conditions
Today- SW is defined as working with anyone affected by any form of oppression

Question 2

Assimilation

Answer 2

The process in which a larger community. absorbs members of another ethno-cultural community (eg. immigrans or ethnic minorities).
Implications- the loss the characteristics of the absorbed group, such as language, customs, ethnicity and self identity

Question 3

Multiculturalism

Answer 3

The belief that difference are more important than similarities

Question 4

Ways that Social Work has historically supported the policies of assimilation

Answer 4

• Deemphasizing differences
• Developing approaches and interventions that help people cope with and adjust to the dominant culture
• Advocating for equal rights legislation-without the legal or financial resources to use it
• Using expert knowledge and dominant Eurocentic discourse as the basis of the proffession

Question 5

How does Multiculturalism compare to assimilation

Answer 5

Multiculturalism acknowledges the important of social identity
Does not address differences in power and status among different cultural groups
Uses the concept of social inclusion/social exclusion (the inability to participate fully in society)

Question 6

Representative Democracy

Answer 6

• Elected representatives
• Competition - running for office, periodic elections, limitations of power- political decisions get made based on who can influence government - special interest groups
• Ultimate power held by those who elect and hold governmental representatives accountable
• Canadian government

Question 7

Examples of oppression as structural violence

Answer 7

• Generational
• Deeply ingrained
• Takes the form of inequities
• Those who suffer from these inequities suffer from disproportionate levels of stress, frustration, lower life expectancy incarceration, homicide, suicide and infant mortality

Question 8

Charter of Rights and Freedom

Answer 8

British North American Act

Canada’s original constitution passed by 1867 British Parliament

Question 9

Laws that came before the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Answer 9

• 1884 - Indian Act outlaws cultural and religious ceremonies, like potlatches
• 1900 - Chinese Immigration Act sets head tax at $100
• 1900 - Dominion Elections Act prevents minorities from voting in elections
• 1928 - Supreme Court rules that women are not “persons” under the law
• 1928 - Alberta government passes a law ordering sterilization of patients in psychiatric hospitals
• 1940 - Communist Party is outlawed under the War Measures Act
• 1942 - Japanese Canadians have their property taken away and are sent to internment camps
• 1960 - Status Indians were not allowed to vote until 1960-No right to political protest. Under the pre-Charter Indian Act, Aboriginal women lost their Indian status if they married non-Aboriginal men.

Question 10

Fundamental Freedoms

Answer 10

The charter protects your freedom to follow religion, have beliefs and opinions, express self, gather peaceful groups and associate with others. Protects freedom of press

Question 11

Democratic Rights

Answer 11

All citizens have the right to vote or stand for electinos

Question 12

Mobility RIghts

Answer 12

All citizens have the right to come and go from Canada
Stops provinces and territories from discriminating against newcomers.
However, provinces can make a residency requirement for certain social and welfare benefits

Question 13

Legal Rights

Answer 13

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security.

Question 14

Equality Rights

Answer 14

Equal benefit and protection of the law without being discriminated against because of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, disability

Question 15

Language Rights

Answer 15

Parents have the right to have their children educated in either French or English