Adultism

by | Oct 28, 2024 | essay

 

Adultism refers to the oppression of young people by adults. The popular saying “children should be seen and not heard” is used as a way to remind children of their place and reaffirm adults’ power in the relationship. The saying suggests that children’s voices are not as important or as valid as an adult’s, and they should remain quiet. Children are often relegated to subordinate positions due to socially constructed beliefs about what they can or cannot accomplish or what they should or should not do; this, in turn, compromises youths’ self-determination.
How might the age of a client influence your social work practice? And, when working with youth, how would you avoid conveying an adultist perspective? In this Discussion, you practice engaging with an adolescent through a scenario. You then reflect on your actions and how you would adapt if the scenario were to involve an older client.

• Review the Learning Resources on age, ageism, and practice with older adults.
• Access and navigate through the Adolescent Case interactive video in the Learning Resources, selecting your responses as the session progresses. NOTE CASE TRANSCPIT ATTACHED SEPARATELY.
• Reflect on the choices you made as a social worker engaging with the adolescent and consider how those choices may have been influenced by the age of the client.

Write a post in which you reflect on your experience engaging with the adolescent in the case.
• How did you approach the case, and how did the age of the client factor into your decision making?
• Then, imagine it was an older client (age 75 or above) in the same situation. How comfortable or uncomfortable would you be?
• Would your approach be different based on cultural norms related to age?

Reflecting on the Adolescent Case: Navigating Age and Power Dynamics

Engaging with the adolescent in the interactive video presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. My initial approach was to establish a rapport built on trust and respect. I aimed to create a safe space for the young person to express themselves freely, recognizing that their age might influence their communication style and comfort level.

Age as a Factor in Decision-Making:

The adolescent’s age was a constant factor in my decision-making. I consciously employed a youth-centered approach, focusing on their strengths, resources, and aspirations. I avoided patronizing language or assumptions about their maturity level. Instead, I engaged them in a collaborative process, recognizing their ability to make decisions about their own lives.

Reflecting on the Adolescent Case: Navigating Age and Power Dynamics

Engaging with the adolescent in the interactive video presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. My initial approach was to establish a rapport built on trust and respect. I aimed to create a safe space for the young person to express themselves freely, recognizing that their age might influence their communication style and comfort level.

Age as a Factor in Decision-Making:

The adolescent’s age was a constant factor in my decision-making. I consciously employed a youth-centered approach, focusing on their strengths, resources, and aspirations. I avoided patronizing language or assumptions about their maturity level. Instead, I engaged them in a collaborative process, recognizing their ability to make decisions about their own lives.

Shifting Gears with an Older Client:

If the same situation involved an older client (75 or above), I would approach the case with a different set of considerations. While the core principles of respect, empathy, and empowerment remain constant, I would need to adapt my approach to account for potential age-related factors:

  • Physical and Cognitive Abilities: I would assess the client’s physical and cognitive abilities to tailor my communication style and ensure accessibility.

  • Life Experiences and Values: I would acknowledge the richness of their life experiences and the wisdom they may possess. Respecting their perspectives and experiences would be crucial.

  • Social and Cultural Norms: I would be mindful of cultural norms related to age and respectful of their autonomy and decision-making abilities. It’s essential to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or assumptions based solely on their age.

Cultural Norms and Age:

Culture plays a significant role in shaping perspectives and interactions related to age. In some cultures, older adults are highly revered and respected, while in others, there may be less emphasis on age-based deference. As a social worker, I would be sensitive to these cultural nuances and strive to understand the client’s individual needs and preferences.

Avoiding Adultism:

To avoid conveying an adultist perspective, I would strive to:

  • Listen attentively: Actively listen to the client’s perspective, respecting their thoughts and feelings, even if I disagree.

  • Use empowering language: Avoid patronizing language or phrases that diminish their agency.

  • Recognize their expertise: Acknowledge the client’s unique experiences and knowledge as valuable assets.

  • Engage in collaborative decision-making: Involve the client in the problem-solving process and empower them to make choices about their own lives.

Conclusion:

The age of a client presents unique opportunities and challenges for social work practice. It’s essential to recognize the complexities of age and its intersection with other identities. By embracing a client-centered approach that values individual differences, respects cultural norms, and avoids adultism, social workers can create a more inclusive and equitable practice.

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