Gender and Power in Social Work

Abstract

Recent social work literature has challenged traditional male world views extant in social work theory and practice and the position of women as workers in the profession. To date, however, attempts to explain the situation have been fragmented and largely limited to the social work profession itself. This paper examines firstly the origin of women's disadvantage within social work in terms of male/female relationships of power in wider society. Power is explored in the areas of class, patriarchy, institutions, personal resources and corporate strength. Particular emphasis is placed on the ideologies generated by the predominance of male power in these areas. Secondly, the paper raises some issues related to power and gender that need to be addressed in social work if change is to occur.