Analysis of Critical Radical Social Work Theory and Anti-oppressive Theory

RUNNING HEAD: ESSAY
Analysis of Critical Radical Social Work Theory and Anti-oppressive Theory

Introduction
Social work is one of the most difficult subject to define and there is no certain
definition to it present any where in books or journals. However, it has been described by
many authors according to their perception to the topic. In my views social work can be
defined as practical job dedicated to bringing changes in people’s lives, provide protection to
those who need it and bring changes to the people’s live by trying to upgrade their social life
scenarios at individual as well as community level (Dominelli, 2004). The social work theory
is collection of knowledge and database about distinct situations and the methods to consult
them which makes collecting it a crucial social work practice. Hence, social work theories
provide direction to social work activities and distinguish it from informal helping. The
session consists of theories related to feminism, in which social workers fight for equality
amongst men and women. The other approach is strength based operate in which the system
works in favor of upliftment of customers and employees
In this essay analysis of two such theories that are Critical Radical Social Work
Theory and Anti-Oppressive theory have been done. They are the point of curiosity as the
Critical Radical Social Work Theory is based on data collected after characterizing and
structing the causes of different types of disadvantages, identification of oppressed and social
upliftment work with the primary aim of achieving individual liberalization. On the other
hand, Anti-oppressive theory of social work focuses on addressing issues related oppression
regardless of cast, sex creed, colour and expression people share at all levels of social
organisation (Howe, 2017). In addition to critical social work theory and Anti-Oppressive
practices the session also consisted of theory on Feminism and solution focused based
therapy, where theory of feminism concentrated upon bringing equality in society by
uplifting the suppress sex that is female. Solution focused based therapy on the other hand
represents collaborative approach to psychotherapeutic change based on direct observation of clients'
responses based on precisely constructed questions.
Analysis of Critical Social Work Theory and Anti-oppressive Practice
According to Finn and Jacobsen, (2003), critical social work theory covers broad
variety of positions that are impossible to locate collectively hence he identified the theory in
two theoretical positions that are structural and post structural. In structural position the
author discloses universal oppressions based on race, class and gender. On the other hand, in
post structural the author placed oppressions based on postmodernism moreover it advocates

relativism. Based on the theoretical approach the author has figured out limitations to the
theory like the social context in which the workers operate is in need of reinforcements for
practicing social work. This has been further argued by taking reviews from major schools
though effective surveys. From the surveys it was found that all of the social work including
system perspective, structural integration, and strengths highlighted system’s limitations as
none of the perspectives adopted an integrated approach to social work and concentrated
more on theoretical themes, power and history rather than considering the present social
conditions. Moreover, the authors articulated a platform to compare other methods like
feminism and race theory along with critical method on critically analyzing it was found that
the core principles of critical method were underpinned and outdated and focused only on
smaller range of oppressions.
Contrarily, Healy (2014) divided critical Work Theory in post modern and modernist
form along with radical social work, feminist social work, anti-racist social work and many
more. In my view the division provided by Healy (2014), is more elaborated and useful as it
makes data base organization more stable. The author stated critical work theory to be full of
strengths as it is efficient to give people an alternative view towards the society keeping
human needs as central value. Considers the fact that social work is political activity that
reinforces the status of solutions. Recognize critical social awareness to very importance
social work skills.
Dominelli, (2002), has mentioned that critical social theory is advantageous as it
develops and perpetuate disadvantage to the materials as they regenerate ideologies and make
researchers to understand dominant ideologies and help social workers in serving
disadvantaged people.
In addition to it Payne (2015), has mentioned some strengths of critical social theory
in his text. Some of the strengths are that the theory recognize society to be a cause of
personal problems amongst people and accounts to the process of its occurrence. It
recognizes relationship amongst society and individual to be transactional, interactive and
reflexive which helps people to affect their socially available circumstances. Moreover, the
theory seeks individual and social autonomy and give value to insight to make clients
understand the situation and circumstances they are going though.
Mullaly’s (1997) described Structural Social Work, with which most of the people are
generally familiar. It represents the clear articulation of the radical and structural position or