One of the most dehumanizing theories in the history of social sciences is eugenics. The story shared in the article Social work and eugenics by Anastas (2011), sheds new, disturbing light on the history of social workers in the U.S. Generally, social workers should act as agents of change, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. However, the horrifying cases of forced sterilization on those deemed unfit to make such decisions prove that bigotry and discriminatory mindsets can exist even within social care. Hence, it is crucial to address the fact that the specific case described in the story could result from the general mentality of that period. Even though the 1960s and 1970s are relatively recent from a historical perspective, it is necessary to understand that currently, the general public’s views turn more progressive at an increasing speed. Yet, I believe that the issues of abuse still exist within the jobs that focus on providing care. Many care-providing jobs, including social work, give workers power over the lives of vulnerable social groups. That is why it is essential to stay compassionate and vigilant, and put an end to the abuse.
The Five Faces of Oppression undoubtedly influence all forms of social mistreatment towards the minority groups of the population. The ones that Eugenics mostly correlate to are powerlessness, marginalization, and, arguably, violence. The aspect of powerlessness is quite self-explanatory in its nature regarding this subject. By taking away people’s right to make autonomous decisions on their bodies, the oppressors take away their power in this matter. Marginalization, despite having no apparent correlation to reproductive rights, can aid the ideology of Eugenics by depriving minorities of material resources. That, in turn, might be used to justify the need to implement restrictions on their reproductive rights to reduce the growth of poverty. The aspect of violence is more complex to understand since Eugenics does not call for unprovoked physical attacks. Nonetheless, forcibly taking away people’s bodily autonomy should not be regarded as anything but violence because it infringes on the security of person and can be interpreted as inhuman and degrading treatment.
One of the most jarring happenings in the recent history of legislation is the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Despite the harsh criticism that this decision has sparked, multiple states have already banned abortion. Even though the ban on abortions might seem to be the complete opposite of the ideology of Eugenics, it continues the worrying trend of disregarding the personal autonomy of pregnant people. Forced pregnancy and forced birth have come to replace forced sterilization, reflecting the oppressive attitude that women still have to face. Race and class also play a role in the matter because, while some of the more privileged pregnant people can afford to travel to a different state or even country to have an abortion, those less fortunate do not have this opportunity. Additionally, the criminalization of abortion can potentially play into the systematic oppression of ethnic minorities through over-criminalization and mass incarceration (Sun, 2022). Overall, it is deeply concerning that a democratic country such as the United States that represents “the free world” has adopted such an oppressive policy.
In conclusion social work is an integral part of any developed society that has enough resources surplus to provide them to people in need. Focus on ending socioeconomic oppression is crucial in the sphere of social work. In my opinion, understanding the ways in which systems of oppression lead to active discrimination is essential to combat the issue of prejudice in society at its root. It can also help deal with the abuse of power mentioned above. It is vital for social workers to be able to recognize their own biases and actively take steps to avoid acting as an oppressor toward the socially vulnerable. Taking personal responsibility and remaining empathetic towards patients is one of the ways of delivering high-quality social care.
References
Anastas, J. (2011). Social work and eugenics. Web.
Sun, N. (2022). Overturning Roe v Wade: reproducing injustice. BMJ, 377.