Understanding Microaggressions
What are microaggressions?
Subtle verbal, behavioral, or environmental slights that communicate hostile or derogatory messages toward marginalized groups.
What CASW value do microaggressions violate?
Respect for the Dignity and Worth of All Persons.
Name one strategy for social workers to combat microaggressions.
Self-reflection, cultural competence, challenge systems, center clients, or acknowledge impacts.
True or False: Microaggressions can only be intentional
False. They can be intentional or unintentional actions.
Name one emotional effect microaggressions can have on clients.
Feelings of shame, anger, invisibility, anxiety, or lowered self-esteem.
What TEDx speaker talked about strategies to combat micro aggressions?
Tiffany Alvoid
About how many Americans experience at least one microaggression daily?
1 in 5 Americans.
How do microaggressions reinforce systemic oppression in social work?
They maintain power imbalances and normalize discrimination, opposing anti-oppressive practice.
What does “challenging systems” mean in the context of anti-microaggression work?
Actively confronting institutional bias and advocating for equitable policies and practices.