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Anti-Oppressive Theory

Anti-Oppressive Theory (AOP) is a framework in social work that addresses systems of oppression and promotes collaboration with marginalized individuals to foster critical consciousness and mutual learning. Key practices include reflective self-assessment, active listening, collaborative empowerment, and challenging power dynamics through solidarity rather than mere allyship. AOP aims to promote equality, empower individuals, address systemic issues, and enhance social justice in society.

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16 views11 pages

Anti-Oppressive Theory

Anti-Oppressive Theory (AOP) is a framework in social work that addresses systems of oppression and promotes collaboration with marginalized individuals to foster critical consciousness and mutual learning. Key practices include reflective self-assessment, active listening, collaborative empowerment, and challenging power dynamics through solidarity rather than mere allyship. AOP aims to promote equality, empower individuals, address systemic issues, and enhance social justice in society.

Uploaded by

LG
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ANTI-

OPPRESSIVE
THEORY
What is Anti-Oppressive Theory
(AOP)?
• It is a framework used in social work practice that refers to the
processes and methods through which we understand how
systems of oppression (colonialism, racism, sexism,
homophobia, transphobia, etc.) can result in individual
discriminatory actions and structural/systemic inequities for
marginalized groups in society.
• It is a participatory approach in which the person in a position
of authority intentionally collaborates with people who are
directly impacted by the work. Promoting deep reflection and
critical consciousness, AOP is an approach rooted in mutual
learning and in co-production of knowledge.
AOP IN ACTION
Have a Reflective Practice
• Allowing for consistent and critical self-reflection is a key
component of building an AOP. By highlighting how you
occupy positions of power and privilege through your
access to resources and unearned advantages, you can
pinpoint ways to correct these imbalances and avoid
recreating oppressive behaviors and spaces.
Engage in Active Listening
• Allow others to share their perspectives and various lived
experiences. To be an active listener is to position
ourselves as learners. People may express things in ways
that we might not fully understand in virtue of different
social locations. Listen and gather information with
intention to do something with it, if that’s what the person
disclosing wants. You can ask questions, take notes, offer
support. Active listening looks different based on the
context.
Identify the Bigger Problem
• Our practices must aim to address root causes, otherwise
we may be complicit in oppressive behaviors. Here are
some identified systemic issues faced by Students. Which
ones can you and your team work towards addressing?
(next slide)
Work Collaboratively
• With this tool, empowerment becomes the key focus.
Giving marginalized individuals and groups the tools to be
active agents in their own success allows for them to be
included as much as possible in decision-making
processes, offering them necessary autonomy. It is
important to be intentional in collaborative work,
constantly reflecting on our purpose and action plan
regarding support and practices. Working in partnerships
across identities attempts to balance out unequal power
dynamics, creating supportive and informed
environments.
Challenge Power and Privilege
through Solidarity
• Solidarity work is integral to AOPs. Ever heard of the term “Allyship”?
This refers to actions and practices that those from dominant groups
can take to support and amplify oppressed groups. However, it tends to
turn performative, often co-opted from existing movements that have
been organized by oppressed peoples. It asks oppressed groups to put
in the labour of education, without dominant groups investing personal
cost in the work needed to challenge inequities. While many allies
properly leverage their power to make real change without seeking
validation, allyship—especially performative—oftentimes make a
negligible impact in equitable balancing of resource and power
distribution.
Challenge Power and Privilege
through Solidarity
• In contrast, solidarity actively and intentionally aims to
redistribute unfair advantages of systemic oppression.
Rather than being an ally—which can function as a label—
engaging in solidarity work is an action-based approach.
Calling for a deeper commitment to equity work, it
removes the onus from oppressed groups to provide
education and resistance
Significance of AOP
• Promotes Equality: By actively challenging discrimination and
inequality, it helps ensure that everyone has the same opportunities
and rights.
• Empowers Individuals: It supports people in gaining control over
their lives, making them feel more confident and capable.
• Addresses Systemic Issues: It goes beyond individual cases to tackle
the broader social structures and systems that perpetuate oppression
and inequality.
• Enhances Social Justice: By advocating for changes in policies and
practices, it contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.

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