Week 8: Developing And Using Power, Power, And Politics

Week 8 Developing And Using Powerpower And Politics Have A Bad Reputa

Developing and using power and politics have a mixed reputation among social work professionals. While some view them as unseemly or unethical, others recognize that power and politics can be used ethically to benefit marginalized groups and unpopular causes. This week’s focus is on strategies for developing and using power resources to influence policy outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how to affect policy indirectly through strategic and creative use of power and political resources, balancing exertion of influence without coercion or intimidation. Students will analyze different types of power resources, their application in social work practice and advocacy, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social policies addressing social issues.

Paper For Above instruction

Power and politics are intrinsic elements within social work practice, especially in the realm of policy advocacy. Despite a common perception that these tools are inherently unprofessional or unethical, effective social workers recognize that power and politics, when used ethically, can be pivotal in advancing social justice and enacting beneficial policy changes. This perspective aligns with Jansson’s (2018) assertion that power resources can be employed strategically to influence policy outcomes in ways that respect ethical boundaries, promote the autonomy of stakeholders, and uphold social work values.

In social work practice, power resources encompass various forms, including person-to-person influence, substantive authority, procedural tactics, and process-based strategies. For instance, social workers often leverage personal relationships and networks to gather support, disseminate information, and sway policymakers. Substantive power involves expertise and knowledge, which can lend credibility during advocacy efforts. Procedural power relates to influencing the processes through which policies are debated and enacted, such as shaping deliberation scopes or influencing conflict dynamics (Jansson, 2018). Process power, as highlighted in the course materials, involves influencing the manner in which policy discussions unfold, including managing the tenor, tempo, and scope of conflicts, which can be instrumental in guiding policies toward favorable outcomes.

An example of using power resources in social work advocacy is the deliberate application of process power. This approach emphasizes the importance of strategic timing and conflict management, facilitating a deliberative process that allows for negotiation and consensus-building. For example, a social worker advocating for expanded mental health services could influence the discourse's tenor by emphasizing the urgency and importance of the issue, or adjust the tempo to ensure stakeholders have adequate time to consider the implications. Manipulating the scope of conflict can invite broader participation, increasing the legitimacy and acceptance of proposed policies. This method aligns with ethical practice because it respects stakeholders’ choices, avoids coercion, and emphasizes collaborative decision-making.

However, employing power in advocacy does not come without ethical concerns. One primary concern involves the potential for misuse or manipulation of power, which could undermine trust in the social work profession. For instance, when a power disparity exists—such as a politician wielding influence over vulnerable populations—there is a risk that decisions may be driven by personal or political interests rather than the well-being of the community. Ethical dilemmas also arise regarding transparency and accountability—social workers must ensure that their actions are motivated by genuine concern for social justice rather than personal gain or ideological agendas (Rocha, Poe, & Thomas, 2010).

The unethical use of power resources can erode public trust and compromise the integrity of social work as a profession committed to social justice. Therefore, social workers must employ their influence responsibly, maintaining transparency about their motives and ensuring that their tactics serve the best interests of their clients and communities. For example, when employing process power, social workers should avoid manipulative tactics that pressure stakeholders into unfavorable decisions and instead foster open dialogue and consensus.

In conclusion, social workers utilize various power resources in their advocacy efforts to create meaningful social change. The ethical application of these resources—whether through relationship-building, leveraging expertise, or influencing policy processes—is essential to uphold the profession’s values and effectiveness. While power can be a potent tool, it must be wielded responsibly, with continual reflection on its ethical implications. As advocates, social workers must balance strategic influence with integrity, ensuring that their efforts promote social justice without coercion or dishonesty.

References

Rocha, C., Poe, B., & Thomas, V. (2010). Political activities of social workers: Addressing perceived barriers to political participation. Social Work, 55(4), 317–325.

Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning Series.

Additional references:

- Furlong, M. J. (2020). Ethical considerations in social work advocacy. Journal of Social Service, 44(2), 150-159.

- Healy, L. M. (2014). International social work: Professional action in an interconnected world. Oxford University Press.

- Hernandez, P., & Ben-Joseph, E. (2018). Power dynamics in social work policy: Ethical implications. International Journal of Social Welfare, 27(3), 211-219.

- McLaughlin, H. (2016). Power, policy, and social justice: Ethical challenges for social workers. Australian Social Work, 69(4), 391-403.

- Minkler, M. (2012). Pioneering social justice: Community organizing and policy advocacy. Health & Social Work, 37(2), 86-94.

- National Association of Social Workers. (2017). NASW code of ethics. Available at https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics

- Reisch, M., & Jani, J. (2016). Ethics and values in social work. Columbia University Press.

- Weisstein, J. P. (2019). Political acumen in social work practice: Strategies for ethical advocacy. Journal of Social Policy, 48(1), 55-66.