I shall discuss gender as an inequality. I am mindful that there are no hierarchies of anti-oppressive practice and that the issues of 'race', class, sexuality, disability and age bear equal importance, but as I have discussed in previous essays, whilst each oppressed group is distinct, the issues can be transposed from one area to another. Gender, in this case, simply provides a tool for analysis. I drew upon anti-oppressive practice, with particular relevance to gender and 'race', in order to inform a discussion that is relevant for youth and community workers in practice today. In examining these crucial issues

Introduction:

This essay attempts to define the concept of anti oppressive practice.

I have tried to illustrate through both personal dealings, as a supervisor of a multi care agency, and, factual information how the asylum seekers within the St Helens community have suffered oppression at the hands of both the other existing communities they are expected to co exist with, as well as, the service providers.

I then go on to demonstrate what I was able to do and actually achieved when providing a service and assistance to this particular minority group.


During my time working within the St Helens borough I was stationed at Warrington Road.

An area that was predominantly a council housing estate, high-rise flats and maisonettes also featured in this district. Its population was approximately 40,000 people, from varying social and religious backgrounds. Unemployment was high.

I had worked in the area for over six years and in more recent years I noticed an increase in the number of asylum seekers being placed in the community. Particularly being concentrated around the Clock Face area of St Helens.

The initial problem this sector of the community faced was access to the state welfare provisions. Complex and strict qualifying regulations had identified that asylum seekers live...