Reappraising the race, class, gender equation: A critical theoretical perspective

Abstract

The central thesis of this critical analysis is that racial‐self pervade the social structure and political economy and thereby affect consciousness, identity and all forms of relationships including the clinical context. Given this empirically grounded axiom, it is imperative that social workers become cognizant of the dynamic influence of race in practice and in research. Social class and gender are also potent variables in the equation. However, race — especially the “Black‐White” dichotomization — is the principal molder of multiple forms of interaction. Within the clinical milieu, it can result in biased and negative imagery, false comparisons, erroneous prejudgements, deceptive language, and the nullification of the “other's” identity. Caution must be exercised by clinicians who attempt to structure the racial self primarily as a sexualized entity. Social workers, psychotherapists and other clinicians must understand the far‐reaching impact of their self‐attitudes, images, personal biases and needs on the therapeutic process.