Standing Out Among The Problems We Face: A Call For Critical Social Work
The ancient Greeks had a particular flair for life. They have contributed from culture and art to science and technology. However, one thing that stands out the most is their perception of society. Of which was a Greek philosopher named Epictetus. He compared people who “fit in” to the white threads, which was indistinguishable. He wanted to be the purple thread. That small part is bright and makes all the rest appear graceful and beautiful. Social workers are the purple threads that are among the fabric in our society. Their purpose is to stand out, especially when institutions develop a norm in our society so that people can “fit in.”
Such works have been shown through Jane Addams, Robert Hunter, Florence Kelly, and Ben Reitman. They and others stood up to institutions and created alternative institutions to assist those with their specific needs. Over a century has gone by, and it is crucial more than ever to analyze and find a praxis within social work, ever since the decision to shift the direction of social work, using the medical profession model. In large part, it was due to the acceptance of Freud’s work in psychiatry, Abraham Flexner’s speech Social Work’s Identity Problem, and developing the ideas considered “credible.” The field needed certifications, licenses, move away from being in the streets to having offices or facilities, plus look a certain way within the profession.
This overtime has stunted the real work that needed to be done. This limitation has shifted those coming into the field of social work to become a more client-oriented profession. The lack of empowerment to do the critical work will continue the withering away of the roots that social work came from. Now that the field of social work is among the other white threads. How do we become, if not, remain the purple thread? As Epictetus would say, “how shall I still be purple, when you tell me to make myself like the many?” A call like this is needed so much today.
Social work has always been rooted in social action and fighting a system that affects others’ livelihoods. Such a manifest brings out rebellion, empowerment, love, solidarity, community, self-examination, angst, collaboration, and liberation. As social workers, we need to dissolve the client-oriented dynamic because we are the closest to the power that creates systemic issues that come back to the people. Our practice is to view both the broad and narrow scope of our work. In sum, we have to do it ourselves. It is our responsibility to hold accountable the supra institutions of oppression. The spaces we occupy must be those we work with to understand that they are part of a collective that can build an alternative means, even the opportunities we have been surrounded by those that make or those that can influence decisions with their establishments. We cannot allow the conformity to carry on any further.
Wear your purple thread everyday.
