Social Workers As Agents Of Social Control

I believe that social workers can be “looked” at as agents of social control. However, for most instances, I do not believe that is the case. Social workers are NEVER on the side of the oppressor. However, often times they have to be assertive in order to help many vulnerable individuals. This does not mean that they are controlling. What it means is that sometimes they have to take drastic measures in order for individuals to understand and learn from their mistakes, to protect anyone that is exposed to harm, and to advocate for the oppressed. For example, a young child might be living with his or her parents who are verbally and physically abusive. The parents might consider their parenting skills as innocent disciplinary acts and are refusing

to give up the child in order to receive counseling and parenting training. However, if their parenting skills are inflicting serious wounds on the child, then socials workers will have to step in and take the child out of the home, at least until it is deemed safe. Does this mean that the social workers are being controlling? I wouldn’t think so. They are simply assisting a situation that can possibly turn fatal before it is too late. They are securing a better relationship between the child and its parents. This is not social control. This is advocating for and protecting the vulnerable, while helping the oppressor to understand the magnitude of its actions and providing help that will transform those actions into something positive or less oppressive.
One way that I do believe social workers can be seen as agents of social control is through the language that they use. The language they use can be problematic and be considered as a way to control vulnerable individuals. For example, often times the people who social workers are helping to better themselves are considered as “clients” or “patients”. This can be looked at as a sign of strength versus weakness, whereas, the social worker has power over the individual since the social worker is there to help them make better life decisions. This can be described as a stigma, and why many people are afraid to open or seek the help that the need. They are afraid of being put down, especially since they are already experiencing some type of trauma or misfortunes. Social workers will have to be more aware of the language they use to describe the vulnerable, and implement ways to avoid offending or putting down others through the language used.