Advanced Topics in Micro and Macro Social Work

In this mini-course, we will provide an overview of a critical intersectional framework developed by the UM-SSW Critical Intersectionality Learning Community and provide opportunities for students to apply 7 sets of capacities in different aspects of social work practice (with examples, critiques, and skill practice). Participants will explore positionalities in their own lives, engage in a variety of interactive activities, and work together to identify how they will continue to apply these capacities in their future SSW experience. Critical Intersectionality approaches draw from Critical theories which stress theorizing and acting to “liberate human beings from the circumstances that enslave them” (Horkheimer, 1982). (e.g., Frankfort School, critical race, feminist and cultural analyses). Major emphases are on analyzing sources of power differences in society, taking action towards social, economic and cultural justice, and challenging and reshaping power inequities and the forces that sustain them. Intersectionality frameworks attend to multiple types of differences/positionalities [e.g., race, ethnicity, economic class, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and other TLGBQQI issues] and how these interact. Positionalities include social locations (structural), social categories (symbolic and cultural), social processes (day to day organization, community and group dynamics), and social identities (at self and relationship levels). How we experience our identities, privilege and oppression are influenced by positionality combinations and contexts. Combining these approaches helps to make sense of complex human conditions and especially how to address patterns of oppression and privilege that deeply affect human opportunities and barriers, well-being, and health.