Solidarity Assignment 1

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University of Nairobi *

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322

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Sociology

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Solidarity Assignment 1 Student’s Name Institution Course Instructor Date
2 Solidarity Assignment 1 Allyship is an integral component of the Social Service Work profession, involving proactive efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and privilege to improve the conditions experienced by marginalized individuals. According to a podcast by Feminista Jones, allyship can be understood as a collective effort to dismantle the whole system of injustice/oppression (CBC Radio, 2020). In this reflection, I will examine my viewpoint on the privileged group concerning family type/background, as well as ability/disability/health. Family Type / Background: My parents have always been together, and I am the seventh and final child of their union. In my hometown, having children as a single parent is considered taboo, and women who do so are stigmatized as unreliable mothers who will never find love or succeed in life. As a result, I have unfairly treated single parents in Canada. I stay away from them because I fear being around them may bring bad fortune to me. I perceived them as individuals who voluntarily terminated their marital relationships to supplement their monthly income through government assistance. I consider myself superior to them because I share a home with my spouse and children and have the benefits of two salaries. I seek assistance from others when experiencing fatigue and desiring solitude. After becoming pregnant and participating in anti-natal programs, where I met people from various family kinds and backgrounds, my perspective shifted, and I became aware of my biases and discrimination. Disability: Upon my arrival in Canada, I observed and contemplated the provision of financial assistance to those with disabilities, who seemingly receive substantial monetary support without engaging in employment. Furthermore, it became apparent that these individuals are afforded several options within Canadian culture. Subsequently, I encountered an individual with a medical impairment, prompting me to adopt an alternative viewpoint. It has been observed
3 that individuals with disabilities encounter significant challenges in obtaining life insurance, primarily due to the tendency of others to perceive their impairment as a defining characteristic that supersedes their individuality. My acquaintance harbored apprehension towards enrolling in an educational institution due to her uncertainty regarding post-graduation employment prospects. The individual actively advocates acquiring necessary resources by submitting extensive documentation to substantiate her handicap status. Subsequently, I realized there was no need to be concerned about such matters, as it had never occurred to me that anyone would encounter similar circumstances. This encounter prompted contemplation over individuals with a physical disability and necessitated assistance with mobility. Upon reflection, I have realized that I have enjoyed certain advantages within this particular context while simultaneously perpetuating discrimination against individuals with disabilities by assuming their unrestricted and cost-free access to various resources. First, the possession of a social identity, including both the role of a guardian to someone with autism and a friend to an individual with a medical condition, is anticipated to exert a favorable influence on my prospective career as a Social Service Worker. I am committed to comprehending, endorsing, and championing the rights of individuals who face discrimination based on their impairments. I may possess a more comprehensive comprehension of the adversities they encounter. Furthermore, being a dual-career family with children may have adverse implications for my prospective career as a Social Service Worker. I possess a limited comprehension of the many circumstances and challenges encountered by individuals from diverse family backgrounds, which could result in a discriminatory approach toward advocating for their assistance.
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4 I would have been a more effective ally for single-parent households in my country of origin. However, as a result of societal norms that stigmatize single parents as inadequate for the betterment of society, I found myself aligning with the privileged and dominant group. The outcome would have been altered had I possessed the current level of knowledge. I would have supported and advocated for the cessation of oppressive practices. The potential prejudices that may manifest in my professional endeavors encompass my inherent privileges, the influence of my authority, and my limited comprehension of diverse individuals' experiences and cultural backgrounds. Also, the ability to perceive my clients as susceptible to my assistance without being mindful of the discrimination prevalent within the community or among individuals may also present bias. Engaging with certain groups, such as individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, can provide challenges due to my limited understanding of their experiences and individual boundaries. In order to overcome this issue, it is imperative for me to engage in the acquisition of knowledge on the experiences of the community while simultaneously striving to comprehend and appreciate said experiences. Additionally, I must maintain awareness of my prejudices, engage in moments of introspection, and exhibit respect for the privacy of my customers. As an individual who aligns with the principles of allyship, my actions are consistently driven by a steadfast dedication to social justice and a genuine aspiration to improve the circumstances of both marginalized individuals and those who perpetuate their oppression. The primary source of continual inspiration in my role as an ally is the aspiration to foster an inclusive and accepting atmosphere that upholds the worth and inclusivity of all individuals. This entails advocating for persons who cannot advocate for themselves and opposing any discrimination or stigmatization, irrespective of their social identities, including ethnicity, gender,
5 religious views, or socioeconomic status. One significant and influential source of motivation for me, as a professional in the social services field, is the profound recognition that my efforts have a substantial and constructive influence on the well-being of the individuals I am dedicated to supporting. Witnessing the tangible enhancements achieved in an individual's life can be deeply satisfying and evoke a profound sense of purpose. Recognizing that my endeavors have positive outcomes for the broader society is a highly influential catalyst for my motivation. The amalgamation of these factors generates a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction, augmenting my motivation as a supporter. In conclusion, I have consistently identified myself as a member of the marginalized demographic. While composing this paper, I have realized that I have, in several instances, assumed the role of an oppressor and engaged in discriminatory behavior towards various social groups with distinct identities. Furthermore, there is still a significant amount of unlearning and learning that I need to undertake concerning the anti-oppressive practice. Through writing this paper, I have acquired knowledge and insights that have instilled confidence and motivation to become an exemplary ally to others who require my help. This entails actively engaging in attentive listening and consistently engaging in introspection to identify and address any personal biases I may possess.
6 References CBC Radio. (2020, June 12). Feminista Jones doesn’t think you’re an ally. CBC Radio Canada . https://www.cbc.ca/radio/outintheopen/allies-1.4850186/feminista-jones-doesn-t-think- you-re-an-ally-1.4850215 (Original work published 2018) Mullaly, R. (2010). Unpacking Our Knapsacks of Invisible Privilege: What Can We Do. Challenging Oppression and Confronting Privilege (2 nd. Ed.). Oxford University Press. Don Mills, ON .
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