Introduction

Abstract

A basic premise of this book is that contemporary western societies are characterized by inequality. For workers in the human services, this presents a fundamental challenge in so far as decisions made and actions taken can play a significant role in either moving towards a greater degree of equality or reinforcing existing inequalities. This is because human services work so often involves the exercise of power, frequently with relatively powerless people. Thus, the worker can play a pivotal role with regard to the service user’s experience of the discrimination and oppression arising from inequality.