Introduction
This report adopts the PCS (Personal, Cultural, Structural) model, developed by Professor Neil Thompson in 1997, as the analytical framework for addressing oppression in the case studies of Zainab and Kevin. The PCS model gives an understanding of individuals who discriminate on personal grounds, others who discriminate based on their culture, and those who discriminate due to economic class barriers (Sinha, 2020). The report provides a broad outlook of oppression as it occurs in the presented case studies, specifically focusing on understanding diverse views on marginalization, discrimination, sources of discomfort to minorities, domination, and advantage associated with such experiences. This report seeks to apply the PCS model to give a nuanced understanding and effective strategies for anti-oppressive social work interventions.
Description of the PCS (Personal, Cultural, Structural) Model
PCS Model, in its entirety, can be used as an antagonistic framework for identifying and dealing with discrimination issues across both individual and broader societal and environmental levels (Sinha, 2020). The three dimensions of PPC work together to give a complete insight into repressive acts.
Personal Level (P):
At the personal level, the model explores the social worker’s understanding of themselves, their values, and their attitudes. It encourages reflective practices to uncover biases, prejudices, and personal attitudes that may influence interactions with service users (Sinha, 2020). The personal level also considers how stigma operates and impacts the social worker’s engagement with individuals or communities.
Cultural Level (C):
The cultural level of the PCS model directs attention to shared ways of thinking, seeing, and doing within a cultural context. It emphasizes examining cultural influences that shape norms and impact effective participation (Holsher & Chiumbu, 2020). Social workers using this level of analysis must delve into cultural values that may perpetuate ideas about what is considered normal or acceptable. The goal is to explore these values critically, as unchallenged cultural practices can become norms that contribute to oppression.
Structural Level (S):
Thompson views the structural level as the institutionalized dimension of oppression and discrimination. This level explores power dynamics embedded within organizations and systems (Parker, 2020). The agents of power at this level often include managers, executives, and CEOs, making it challenging to challenge oppressive structures due to hierarchical barriers. Analyzing the structural level is crucial for identifying and disrupting systemic issues contributing to oppression.
In applying the PCS model to the case studies of Zainab and Kevin, this report will systematically explore each dimension, unravelling the layers of oppression present in the narratives. By examining personal attitudes, cultural influences, and structural factors, the report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding that informs anti-oppressive social work practices.
Part 1: Aspects of Diversity and Barriers to Inclusion (300 words)
In Zainab’s case, the dimensions of diversity are intricate and impactful, encompassing cultural, religious, and gender aspects. Her upbringing in Lakemba and subsequent move to Glebe introduce layers to her identity, intensifying the challenges she confronts. The intersectionality of Zainab’s identity as a Muslim woman adds complexity, intertwining religious and gender dimensions and necessitating a nuanced exploration to understand her unique challenges.
The oppressive factors within Zainab’s narrative manifest prominently through the menacing threat posed by her ex-boyfriend, Sam, involving revenge porn. This egregious act not only breaches Zainab’s privacy but also perpetuates gender power imbalances, contributing to a patriarchal culture that systemically victimizes women (Parker, 2020). The intricate web of stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination, in this case, extends beyond the direct threat of revenge porn. Hidden biases play a substantial role in catalyzing such actions, establishing a complex network of barriers that impede Zainab’s equitable participation across various facets of life.
In Kevin’s case, diversity unfolds in mental health, age, socio-economic status, and housing. The clash between residents and the supportive housing project highlights deep-seated societal prejudices regarding mental health. The clients in Kevin’s case embody an intersectionality of recovering mental health, youth, and homelessness, contributing additional layers to their experiences and compounding the challenges faced in the community.
Oppressive factors emerge palpably in the community’s resistance to the supportive housing project, driven by entrenched prejudices against individuals with mental health issues. This resistance reflects broader societal stigmas, acting as a formidable barrier to inclusive housing initiatives (Parker, 2023). Stereotypes and discrimination materialize in the community’s perception that the project will attract “difficult people,” exacerbating the prevailing housing crisis. This unfounded generalization compounds the barriers faced by Kevin’s clients, reflecting the pervasive impact of societal biases on their pursuit of stable housing.
Part 2: Power and Privilege (350 words)
In Zainab’s case, power and powerlessness manifest prominently through Sam’s utilization of threats and control over intimate images, resulting in a palpable sense of powerlessness on Zainab’s part. The act of revenge porn perpetuates imbalances, significantly impacting her agency, autonomy, and potentially her future career. This context’s types and power modes are multifaceted (Parker, 2023). As the perpetrator, Sam wields personal power over Zainab, while the structural power dynamic introduces the potential for lasting damage to her professional trajectory, thus affecting employment opportunities. Privileges are starkly at play as Sam exploits the privilege of dictating the narrative and controlling images, accentuating Zainab’s vulnerability and the potential harm to her mental health and professional life.
Empowering Zainab necessitates reclaiming control over her narrative and addressing systemic issues contributing to revenge porn. Collaboration with support networks and legal avenues leads to regaining power (Karim, 2023). While individuals like Zainab possess agency, challenging oppressive structures requires collective efforts, emphasizing the pivotal role of support networks and social services in dismantling systemic issues.
Turning to Kevin’s case, power dynamics are evident in the community’s resistance, directly impacting the mental health of Kevin’s clients. Despite having potential housing solutions, the clients experience powerlessness due to societal prejudice (Parker, 2020). The types and power modes of this scenario are entwined with societal norms and property ownership, contributing to opposition to the housing project (Teater, 2019). Kevin’s clients confront power imbalances as they strive to secure supportive housing in a stigmatized environment. Privileges come into play as residents opposing the project may exploit the privilege of property ownership, fostering prejudice against those seeking supportive housing and placing Kevin’s clients at a disadvantage.
Empowering Kevin’s clients involves challenging societal prejudices, fostering awareness, and advocating for their right to supportive housing. Collaboration with advocacy groups and confronting discriminatory narratives is crucial for regaining power (Teater, 2019). Similar to Zainab’s case, addressing oppressive structures in Kevin’s scenario requires collective efforts, with clients contributing by engaging in advocacy, sharing experiences, and challenging stereotypes about mental health.
Part 3: Reflection & Position (350 words)
In contemplating Zainab’s case, I reflect on the intricate interplay of our identities, considering factors such as gender, age, and cultural backgrounds. Recognizing these aspects enhances one’s ability to empathize and cultivate cultural competence, allowing for a more nuanced and understanding approach to intervention (Houston & Marshall, 2020). My personal history acts as a lens shaping my perspectives on issues like revenge porn, influencing the responses and approaches I adopt in supporting Zainab. This acknowledgement prompts a commitment to recognizing and mitigating biases, emphasizing the importance of unbiased interventions prioritizing Zainab’s well-being.
The discomfort I experience with Zainab’s case study stems from the recognition of societal norms contributing to revenge porn and the potential harm it inflicts. This discomfort is not merely a personal sentiment but a crucial indicator of the entrenched societal issues that demand attention and intervention. Addressing these discomforts becomes critical to effective intervention strategies, necessitating a proactive stance against prevailing norms contributing to harm.
Contemplating a socially just response to Zainab’s situation involves advocating for legal actions against revenge porn. Simultaneously, it requires raising awareness about the pervasive nature of such incidents and providing comprehensive support to Zainab. Furthermore, active advocacy for anti-revenge porn legislation and educational campaigns emerges as integral components, contributing significantly to systemic change and the dismantling of oppressive structures.
Shifting focus to Kevin’s case, my identity becomes a significant factor influencing perceptions related to mental health, homelessness, and societal prejudice. Acknowledging these influences enhances one’s capacity for empathy (Holsher & Chiumbu, 2020), shaping my approach to intervention strategies. In exploring the impact of my personal history on Kevin’s case, I recognize how it moulds responses to societal prejudices and informs the approach to supporting Kevin’s clients. This acknowledgement underscores the importance of understanding and mitigating these influences for effective advocacy and intervention.
Discomfort with Kevin’s case study emanates from the recognition of societal prejudices and their impact on mental health clients. This discomfort propels me to acknowledge biases and advocate for inclusive housing solutions, challenging existing norms and promoting a more inclusive and compassionate community. A socially just response to Kevin’s case entails not only challenging stereotypes about mental health but also fervently advocating for supportive housing. Additionally, it involves contributing to awareness campaigns that shed light on the multifaceted challenges individuals face in recovery, fostering understanding and dismantling societal stigmas.
Conclusion
Applying the PCS model provides a thorough and insightful comprehension of the oppression experienced by Zainab and Kevin’s clients. Acknowledging diverse aspects, intricate power dynamics, and reflective considerations is imperative for devising effective social work interventions. This report emphasizes the pivotal role of collaborative endeavors in confronting oppressive structures and advancing the cause of social justice, underscoring the interconnectedness of these elements in fostering positive change within communities.
References
Hölscher, D., & Chiumbu, S. (2020). Anti-oppressive community work practice and the decolonization debate: A contribution from the global south. Community practice and social development in social work, 223-242.
Houston, S., & Marshall, G. (2020). Developing anti-oppressive practice with the person-in-society: Reflexivity and social Work. Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies, 20(1), 2.
Karim, S. (2023). Power-informed practice in social work. Journal of Social Work,
Parker, J. (2020). Social work practice: Assessment, planning, intervention and review. Social Work Practice, 1-264.
Parker, J. (2023). Containing the radicals and regulating the ‘other’: a history of the strange case of social work. In Analyzing the History of British Social Welfare (pp. 149-169). Policy Press.
Sinha, A. (2020). Innovating with social justice: Anti-oppressive social work design framework. Discern: International Journal of Design for Social Change, Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Teater, B. (2019). An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods 3e. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
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