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Critical Reflection Essay

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Critical Reflection Essay

Introduction

In social work practice, critical self-reflection is the process of assessing and

evaluating one's social position, personal privilege, power dynamics, and prejudices. It

thoroughly examines how one's identity, history, and experiences connect with societal

structural inequities, privilege, and oppression (Lundy, 2011). Critical self-reflection is

essential for a social worker for various reasons. Critical self-reflection Improves cultural

competence by encouraging social workers to become more aware of their cultural views,

attitudes, and prejudices (Morley et al., 2019). By recognizing these features, they may better

comprehend their clients' different viewpoints and experiences, resulting in more culturally

competent and empathetic treatment.

Additionally, it recognizes power dynamics; within the client-professional interaction,

social workers have positions of power and control. Critical self-reflection assists social

workers in being aware of their power and privilege, ensuring that it is used responsibly and

ethically while preventing the perpetuation of oppressive behaviors (Morley et al., 2019). It

also addresses bias and prejudice by allowing social workers to face their biases and

prejudices that may influence client relationships. They may actively try to provide equal and

impartial services to all customers by acknowledging their prejudices.

Moreover, Understanding one's social place and experiences creates empathy and

compassion for clients experiencing various issues. Social workers can engage with clients

more effectively, allowing them to express their concerns and participate in decision-making

(Mullaly & West, 2018). Critical self-reflection enhances Ethical Practice as it is consistent

with social work ethics, stressing self-awareness and a commitment to social justice (Allan,

2009). By participating in this activity, social workers respect the profession's ethical norms
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and beliefs. Finally, it promotes advocacy and social change by allowing social workers to

discover places where social injustices and inequities are maintained via critical self-

reflection. This understanding may motivate their advocacy efforts and dedication to

opposing repressive regimes for the sake of their clients and society.

Social Location

The different facets of an individual's identity and social qualities that affect their

experiences, opportunities, and places within society are referred to as social location. It

includes a variety of linked characteristics such as class, gender, culture, ethnicity, religion,

sexual orientation, able-bodiedness, age, and geographical place (Mullaly & West, 2018). I

consider myself to be middle-class, which relates to my socioeconomic standing and the

amount of privilege and access to resources that it entails. Being middle-class typically offers

me more chances and stability than being lower-class, but it may also restrict some of the

benefits of an upper-class position.

Since I identify as male, my experiences and opportunities vary from those of

females. Gender roles and expectations shape how I navigate societal norms and

expectations, influencing how I interact with people and form relationships (Heise et al.,

2019). I am a Panjabi and am from Pakistan. My culture and ethnicity have tremendously

impacted the formation of my ideas, values, and customs. They also add to my feeling of

identity and community connectedness. My religion, Islam, also shapes my perspective,

beliefs, and behaviors. It serves as a moral compass and directs my personal and professional

connections with others.

I am straight, meaning I am romantically and sexually attracted to people of the

opposite gender. This component of my identity as a heterosexual influence my interactions

and connections in society as a whole (Heise et al., 2019). Since I do not have any
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impairments that severely impair my physical abilities, being able-bodied offers me some

benefits, such as increased mobility and access to locations and services that do not favor

those who are differently abled. Additionally, since I am 23, my age shapes my experiences,

perceptions, and social positions. It influences how people see me and may impact the degree

of power and responsibility bestowed upon me. I am now residing in Sydney, Australia. My

geo-political location influences the legal and political environment where I live and work. It

also impacts my access to resources, services, and opportunities unique to my location.

Understanding my social situation is essential for critical social work practice. It

enables me to identify how my own identities and experiences may cross with those of my

clients, influencing the dynamics of the assisting relationship (Lundy, 2011). This

understanding assists me in avoiding preconceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes that might

impede effective and ethical work. By critically reflecting on my social location, I may offer

inclusive and culturally competent services, advocate for social justice, and seek to dismantle

oppressive structures that impact disadvantaged persons and communities (Morley et al.,

2019).

Intersections Of Earned Privileges And Experiences Of Oppression

As a 23-year-old middle-class, heterosexual, non-disabled guy of Panjabi origin

practicing Islam in Sydney, Australia, my social location overlaps with undeserved benefits

and oppressive experiences (Webb, 2022). Understanding these intersections is essential for

understanding the nuances of my identity and how they impact my relationships and

experiences.

Unearned privilege refers to advantages and benefits people acquire due to certain

features of their identity or social position without actively earning or deserving them (Pease,

2010). As a man, I have various societal advantages, such as more representation in

leadership positions, better-earning potential, and fewer worries about personal safety than

women. Since I belong to the middle class, I have access to greater educational opportunities,

healthcare, and financial stability than those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Moreover, my religious and cultural identity is similar to that of the majority group in

Australia. Thus, I am less likely to suffer prejudice or hostility based on my beliefs and

practices.

Oppression experiences are the prejudice, marginalization, and constraints that people

encounter as a result of different parts of their identity (Baines, 2017). While I have some

advantages, I also endure persecution in several areas. Sometimes, I experience

discrimination based on my ethnicity and race since I identify as a Panjabi, thus encountering

racial stereotypes and microaggressions, which may lead to isolation and alienation. As a

practicing Muslim, I may face Islamophobia which consists of discrimination or prejudice

due to misunderstandings about my religion, particularly in the present atmosphere of

increased Islamophobia (Mullaly & West, 2018). Therefore, as a young adult, my thoughts

and talents may be rejected or discounted based on preconceptions about my age and lack of

experience.

Personal Example

I have a close friend from an economically disadvantaged background who belongs to

a minority ethnicity. Despite their talent and hard work, they struggle to find suitable

employment opportunities due to systemic discrimination and a lack of connections in

influential circles. Meanwhile, I secured a well-paying job quickly due to my middle-class

background and social networks. This example from my personal life illustrates how my

unearned privilege of class and social connections offers me opportunities that are not equally

accessible to my friend, leading to experiences of oppression for them (Baines, 2017).

I must recognize and confront the interconnections of my privilege and oppression in

my social work practice. I must utilize my advantages to elevate disadvantaged people's

voices and push for equal chances. To deliver culturally competent and inclusive services to

clients from varied backgrounds, I must be conscious of any possible prejudices I may have

and participate in critical self-reflection regularly (Morley et al., 2019). Understanding these

interconnections allows me to strive to abolish oppressive structures and create a more

equitable and inclusive society for everyone.

Effect on critical social work practice

As a social worker with a varied social location, I must critically explore how my

intersecting identities as a 23-year-old man of Panjabi ethnicity practicing Islam in Sydney,

Australia, may affect my critical social work practice. These many components of my identity

may influence how I connect to and empathize with certain clients and possibly contribute to

prejudices against others (Morley et al., 2019). To guarantee that my social work practice is

nonjudgmental and culturally competent, I must actively face and overcome my prejudices

via self-awareness, education, and ongoing reflection.

Relating and Feeling Empathy

Because I share certain identification qualities with some of my customers, I may

naturally find it easier to relate to and sympathize with others from similar backgrounds.

Regarding cultural and religious empathy, as a fellow Muslim practitioner from a Panjabi

background, I may better comprehend the cultural and religious problems that Muslim clients

confront. This shared identity may create trust and a deeper connection in our encounters.

Similarly, being 23 years and a young adult, I may be able to connect to young clients who

are going through comparable life changes and hardships. Our typical age may foster a
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feeling of familiarity and understanding. Finally, as someone from the middle class, I may

better understand the financial stresses and goals of customers in comparable economic

situations.

Potential Biases and Obstacles

Despite my best efforts to be objective, several features of my social location may

unintentionally contribute to biases or obstacles in my social work practice, including gender

bias (Molly et al., 2019). As a man, I must be careful not to unwittingly reinforce patriarchal

views or practices that marginalize or disempower female customers (Turner & Maschi,

2015). While my Panjabi heritage allows me to empathize with customers from similar

backgrounds, I must avoid favoring clients from my ethnic group or making judgments based

on stereotypes. As a Muslim, I may encounter Islamophobia and religious bias through clients

with unfavorable ideas of Islam, which may interfere with the therapeutic interaction. Also,

my age may lead to judgments about older customers' skills or receptivity, resulting in age-

related prejudices.

Overcoming Biases and Practicing Nonjudgmental Thinking

I will use various tactics to overcome my prejudices and build a positive and inclusive

therapy environment to guarantee nonjudgmental and culturally competent social work

practice (Molly et al., 2019). I will also practice critical self-reflection regularly to detect my

biases and assumptions. Recognizing them is the first step in addressing and mitigating their

influence on my profession. Moreover, Participating in cultural competency seminars and

Training would improve my awareness of many cultures and communities, allowing me to

deliver culturally sensitive services (Morley et al., 2019). I will also educate myself to

improve my awareness of multiple identities and life experiences and actively seek out varied

viewpoints and experiences via literature, study, and media.

Additionally, I plan to seek supervision and consultation regularly with experienced

experts to allow you to examine difficult instances and obtain useful insights from various

views. Through active listening and empathic communication, I will also be able to grasp my

customers' individual experiences and viewpoints independent of similar identities. It is

essential to be mindful of not forming assumptions about customers based on their

personality attributes (Morley et al., 2019). Instead, I will treat each customer as a person

with distinct needs and abilities. To avoid bias and assumptions, it is critical to actively

advocate for social justice and seek to eliminate repressive structures that perpetuate

inequality and marginalization (Barney, 2019). Finally, recognizing the intersectionality of

clients' identities will allow me to grasp the intricacies of their experiences while avoiding

oversimplification and embracing the notion of cultural humility, acknowledging that I am

constantly learning and changing in my awareness of many identities and cultures (Turner &

Maschi, 2015).

By continuously using these tactics, I can establish a safe and inclusive environment

where clients feel appreciated, respected, and supported. My objective is to bring about good

change and empowerment in the lives of the people I serve while also always pushing myself

to be a greater advocate for social justice and fairness (Morley et al., 2019). I may aim to be a

compassionate and successful social worker for all persons, regardless of their histories or

identities, via critical reflection and a dedication to lifelong learning (Morgaine & Moshoula

Capous-Desyllas, 2014).

Conclusion

In conclusion, my social position as a middle-class, heterosexual, non-disabled, 23-

year-old man of Panjabi origin practicing Islam in Sydney, Australia, greatly impacts my

critical social work practice. While it gives me some undeserved advantages that may assist
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in empathy and understanding with certain customers, it also exposes me to prejudices that

may impair my relationships with others. I am devoted to continual self-awareness,

education, and critical evaluation to provide a nonjudgmental and culturally competent

approach. I attempt to establish an inclusive therapy atmosphere that respects each

individual's unique experiences by identifying my biases and aggressively seeking various

viewpoints. As a social worker, I am committed to campaigning for social justice and

confronting unjust structures (Morley et al., 2019). I want to accompany clients on their road

to empowerment and well-being by fostering cultural humility and being responsive to

learning, encouraging good change in their lives and throughout society. Finally, I want to be

a caring and effective ally who works to make the world more equal and just for everyone.
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References

Allan, J. (2009). Critical social work : theories and practices for a socially just world. Taylor

& Francis Group.

Baines, D. (2017). Doing anti-oppressive practice : social justice social work. Fernwood

Publishing.

Barney, R. (2019). How Social Workers Can Use a Human Rights Approach to Disasters:

Lessons Learned from the International Community. Journal of Human Rights and

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Heise, L., Greene, M. E., Opper, N., Stavropoulou, M., Harper, C., Nascimento, M., &

Zewdie, D. (2019). Gender inequality and restrictive gender norms: framing the

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Pease, B. (2010). Undoing privilege : unearned advantage in a divided world. Zed Books ;

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