METAPHORS AND THE PEJORATIVE FRAMING OF MARGINALIZED GROUPS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

Abstract

Although the importance of metaphors is described in the social work literature, few articles or books in the profession have considered the role of metaphors in social policy, especially in providing a negative frame within which marginalized groups can be considered. This negative framing naturally supports aversive social policies designed to control the behaviors or opportunities of such groups. This article describes both the importance of metaphors within the political arena and the role of dehumanizing metaphors in fostering a receptive environment for these aversive policies. Policy practice that includes advocating for vulnerable community groups requires the ability to analyze and shed the light of reason on these metaphors.