Student Perceptions of Content on Oppression

ABSTRACT

MSW students∗ perceptions of oppression, especially as it is taught in the Methods of Direct Practice sequence, were evaluated through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Findings revealed that students had knowledge of specific oppressed groups, especially racial and ethnic minorities, but were unable to link this group-specific understanding to the overall influence of oppression on the lives of people. The classroom environment, especially the perception of the professor as vulnerable/oppressed, was important in students' perceptions of their ability to integrate and address this content.