ABSTRACT
One of the most persistent criticisms targeted at mainstream social work practice in the past and in the present day is that it is too focused on individual problems (see Chapter 13). It is important, therefore, that we now take time to consider the impact of social divisions on individuals and society, and explore how social work might seek to develop an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive kind of practice. It should be acknowledged that there is a massive amount of literature which examines each of the social divisions which are touched on only briefly here, as well as a complex and, at times, difficult literature on discrimination and oppression. I have chosen Neil Thompson to introduce this subject because he writes in a straightforward way, and his work offers a useful, basic introduction to the subject. Readers are encouraged to see this as a launch-pad to more advanced texts, as well as taking forward the ideas already explored in the previous chapter. Neil Thomson works as an independent consultant and trainer in social and occupational welfare in the UK.
From D.R. Tomlinson and W. Trew (eds) Equalising Opportunities, Minimising Oppression: A Critical Review of Anti-discriminatory Policies in Health and Social Welfare, London: Routledge (2002): 41–54.
