Feminist And Empowerment Theories 043693

Feminist And Empowerment Theoriesfeminist And Empowermen

Feminist and empowerment theories Cultural Considerations for Interventions Social workers should consider interventions that are inclusive of cultural factors of Peter and Fernando. Social workers should be sensitive to client needs as the majority of LGBT individuals have experienced verbal abuse due to their sexual identity (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). In addition to LGBT considerations, social workers must also consider other cultural factors. American culture values independency and views morality in terms of work ethic (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Peter is dedicated to his work due to his American culture and Fernando’s Latino culture values collectivism which can cause conflicting cultural values.

Feminist & Empowerment Theories Feminist theory can be applied with Peter and Fernando to promote self-determination and problem-solving skills for their current and future challenges. Feminist theory states that patriarchal culture is concerned with power and oppression over minority populations (Adams et al., 2013). Specific feminist techniques include: an analysis of oppression and power, exploring client self-esteem and interdependence, and empowering clients (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2014). Patriarchy is damaging to males in society (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2014) and teaches ‘manhood’ where the dominant heterosexual culture views homosexual men and women as ‘others’ (Adams et al., 2013).

This can be seen with Fernando’s father who has disapproval of his son’s sexual identity. In addition, Peter has taken on the responsibility of head of household while Fernando has taken on the role of stay-at-home caretaker to Jose. Feminist theory brings together personal and political thinking to increase the client’s power (Turner, 2017). When applying feminist theory within a relationship there is an emphasis on the concept of mutuality wherein there is a sense of respect, interest, empathy, and responsiveness experienced by both parties (Turner & Maschi, 2015). This fosters resilience through a two-way relational dynamic (Turner & Maschi, 2015).

The use of this approach within the case of Peter and Fernando would help to foster resilience in the family dynamic through this emphasis on mutuality. By fostering empathy, respect, and responsiveness within the relationship dynamic will help Peter and Fernando improve communication through empathy and respect for each other’s perspective. Empowerment is a concept that is strongly supported by evidence in social work practice (Turner, 2017). Empowerment theory and feminist theory both provide social workers with the expertise to validate client experiences, support client strengths, and promote collectivism through mutual aid and support (Turner, 2017). Three dimensions of empowerment theory include: (1) a development of a more positive identity and sense of self, (2) build knowledge and critical thinking to connect personal and political realities, and (3) build resources and strategies to achieve personal and collective goals (Turner, 2017).

Empowerment theory assumes that the client(s) are the expert on the issue at hand and have within them the strengths to overcome the given problem (Turner & Maschi, 2015). It is then the job of the social worker to connect the client to resources within their community and assist them in utilizing those resources in keeping with their identified strengths (Turner & Maschi, 2015). Interventions can include techniques from both theories to determine short- and long-term goals for Peter and Fernanado. One intervention for consideration in this case would be solution focused therapy. Through the use of solution focused techniques, the social worker is able to gain the varying perspectives of the family members of the current problem and engage the family in identifying goals through the use of the miracle question, scaling questions, and problem tracking questions (Cooper & Lesser, 2015).

The use of a solution focused approach empowers the clients through the use of techniques that create a vision of future possibilities and draws from past successes (Cooper & Lesser, 2015). Another potential intervention in this case would be relationship education, wherein the goal is to enhance relationship satisfaction through the effective communication and establishing relationship expectations which can be tailored to account for life changes such as adjusting to parenthood (Pepping & Halford, 2014). Through the use of this approach, couples are able to identify stressors within the relationship such as family and social acceptance, division of labor, and relationship/role expectations that could be contributing to the presenting problem and how to negotiate their way through those stressors together as a family unit (Pepping & Halford, 2014).

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Feminist and empowerment theories provide valuable frameworks for social work interventions, especially when working with diverse client populations facing unique challenges related to cultural, societal, and personal identities. Applying these theories to the case of Peter and Fernando offers insights into promoting resilience, autonomy, and relational strength within their family dynamic.

Elasticity of cultural sensitivities is fundamental in social work practice. For Peter, whose American cultural values emphasize independence and individual achievement, support should focus on fostering personal empowerment and self-esteem. Conversely, Fernando’s Latino cultural background, which emphasizes collectivism and family interconnectedness, necessitates approaches that build on these values, strengthening family bonds and collective resilience (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Recognizing and respecting these cultural differences facilitates more effective interventions that promote mutual understanding and respect.

Feminist theory examines how patriarchy perpetuates power imbalances and oppresses marginalized groups, including sexual minorities. It underscores the importance of analyzing systems of oppression and empowering clients to challenge societal norms that stigmatize their identities (Adams et al., 2013). In the context of Fernando’s disapproval from his father and societal pressures, feminist approaches can help him process internalized oppression and develop resilience. Furthermore, Peter’s assumption of the head of household role, alongside Fernando’s caregiving responsibilities, illustrates gender role dynamics that feminist theory seeks to deconstruct, encouraging more equitable relationships within the family (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2014).

Empowerment, closely linked with feminist principles, promotes client self-efficacy and collective agency. Turner (2017) articulates three dimensions of empowerment—developing a positive identity, expanding knowledge and critical consciousness, and building strategic resources. For Peter and Fernando, fostering these dimensions can help them navigate societal challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their familial bonds. Empowering clients to identify their strengths and mobilize community resources aligns with strengths-based models emphasizing client expertise and active participation (Turner & Maschi, 2015).

Solution-focused therapy aligns well with empowerment principles by emphasizing future-oriented goal setting and leveraging existing resources. Techniques such as the miracle question, scaling questions, and problem tracking foster optimism and resilience by enabling clients to envision desired outcomes and recognize past successes (Cooper & Lesser, 2015). As part of an intervention plan, educating the family about relationship expectations and communication skills through relationship education can address conflicts arising from social acceptance and role negotiation, facilitating healthier family functioning (Pepping & Halford, 2014).

In summary, integrating feminist and empowerment theories offers a comprehensive approach to address the complex needs of Peter and Fernando. These frameworks advocate for client autonomy, challenge oppressive systems, and promote resilience and mutuality within relationships. Tailoring interventions like solution-focused therapy and relationship education within these paradigms can support the family’s journey toward greater stability, understanding, and empowerment.

References

• Adams, R., Bell, L. A., & Griffin, P. (2013). Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice. Routledge.
• Cooper, M. G., & Lesser, J. G. (2015). Clinical Social Work: An Integrated Approach (5th ed.). Pearson Education Inc.
• Pepping, C. A., & Halford, W. K. (2014). Relationship Education and Therapy for Same-Sex Couples. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 35. https://doi.org/10/1002anzf.1075
• Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014). Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice. Wiley.
• Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An Introduction to Group Work Practice (8th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
• Turner, F. J. (2017). Social Work Treatment: Interlocking Theoretical Approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Turner, S. G., & Maschi, T. M. (2015). Feminist and Empowerment Theory and Social Work Practice. Journal of Social Work Practice, 29(2), 147–163.
• Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding Human Behavior in the Social Environment (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.