There are several dimensions of oppression and marginalization that have an impact on the geriatric population in society. These include the social, economic and environmental injustices that are meted upon the elderly in society. Socially, geriatric populations are exposed to family violence due to an unequal power relationship between them and other family members. Other forms of family violence against geriatrics include the stress of caregivers, gender roles, and isolation. Elderly persons are usually abused because of their age and powerlessness. They are considered a burden to society and are objects of abuse from caregivers due to their declining social or gender roles.
Geriatric populations are also exposed to economic disparities and excluded from resources, prosperity, and decent work due to ageism (Sue, et al, 2007). It is a reflection of ageist practices that regard older people as a burden to society. For example, older people are excluded from employment opportunities rendering them vulnerable and powerless in making decisions regarding their situations, which leads to dependency. This is a form of oppression and marginalization that creates economic inequality among the elderly and limits their participation in society.
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An environmental degradation is a form of oppression and marginalization experienced by geriatric populations due to their powerlessness and vulnerability (Sue et al, 2007). It is highly likely for many seniors’ citizens to live in hazardous environments due to their socio-economic status. These environments have a negative health impact on the elderly owing to their frailty. Environmental justice and sustainability are the principles that need to be applied to address these disparities (Teixeira and Krings, 2015). These are principles of fairness and equality that are involved in providing clean and safe environments for such populations by responsibly using natural resources to ensure human survival.
Multiculturalism, power, and privilege are relevant in social work due because they have an impact on social, economic, and environmental justice. Marginalization and oppression of minority groups such as the elderly is largely a consequence of their powerlessness, lack of privilege, and demographics (Sue et al., 2007). Social work aims at empowering such groups of people to reduce injustice and integrate them into mainstream society.
References
Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62 (4), 271–28
Teixeira, S. and Krings, A. (2015). Sustainable social work: an environmental justiceframework for social work education . Social Work Education, 34 (5), 513-527.
