The Problem of ‘Working with Diversity and/or Difference’ Flashcards
What is oppression?
Systematic targeting of
1. Non-dominant low social status group BY
2. Dominant high social status group THROUGH
2b. Their power and prejudice BY
2c. Marginalising, discrimination and disempowering the non-dominant group TO
2d. Maintain their systemic power, authority and privilege
Oppressive stance of working with diversity
- The bolt-on
- Client as diverse/ Counsellors as normative
- Counsellor’s identity hidden
- Relational dynamic and power in therapeutic relationship
- Unequal weighting on client’s identity
Oppressive stance of working with diversity
THE BOLT ON
Diversity viewed as
1. Separate
2. Additional
3. Not embedded
4. Not central
5. Tick box
Oppressive stance
Client as diverse/ counsellor as normative
Positioning of counsellor/client in relation to each other
1. The ‘difference’ or ‘diversity’ projected onto client (other)
2. Counsellor therefore normative e.g. whiteness, middle class, middle aged, heterosexual
WORKING WITH SOMEONE OUTSIDE THE NORM - OTHERING THE CLIENT
Oppressive stance
Counsellor’s identity is missing
No consideration of counsellor’s identity to understand
1. Relationship
2. Dynamic
Denies influence and impact from counsellor, and places all responsibility and understanding into client and their identity
Oppressive stance
Relational dynamic and power in relationship
Power differential between:
1. normative counsellor and different client
2. Counsellor in observational/‘neutral’ position
3. Oppressor/ oppressed power dynamic
Relationship: NOT understood as two identities in relation with each other
Oppressive stance
Unequal stance on client’s identity
No consideration/reflection on how the counsellor’s identity
1. Impacts on the process
2. Implies counsellor’s identity has zero impact - i.e. neutral and not a variable factor in the process
