The Weather Map: Anti-oppressive Practice

Abstract

We are beginning our series of theoretical maps with a weather map on the grounds that there is little point in venturing into difficult terrain without a weather forecast. Although we have used the title ‘weather map’ for this chapter, perhaps climate might be a better word. In recent years, the values climate of social work has changed, bringing a greater emphasis on the understanding of oppression in all its forms. Because oppression, inequality and powerlessness account for much of the pressure, distress and stress of many service users, to ignore it in making assessments would be to add insult to injury and risk unfairly assuming that the people concerned are in some way to blame for their oppressive situations. Assessments need to take note of the barometer of oppression before venturing out on the journey of following various maps in the search for valid accounts of other people’s lives and difficulties. There is no way in which social workers can avoid the issues and dilemmas (the climate) relating to injustice and power.