Conversation on Gender-Based Rights: Using an Anti-Colonialism and Queer Theory Framework

Overview: This interactive workshop utilizes anti-colonialism and queer theory as a foundation for examining global advocacy of rights related to gender and gendered bodies (e.g., abortion, LGBTQIA+, women’s issues). Presenters will explain theoretical concepts and then engage in several group discussions focused on preparing social workers to address human rights.Proposal text: The conceptual foundation of this interactive workshop is based on the principles of anti-colonialism and queer theory. Social work education emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and anti-racism (CSWE, 2022). At the same time, there are calls to decolonize social work education (Allan, 2019; Almeida, 2019; Hackett, 2019; Sewpaul & Henrickson, 2019). Then, add in the complexity of the social construction of gender and gender-related privilege (Barker & Scheele, 2016).

Gender-based rights are related to the gendered natures of societies and the disportionate social resources provided to a “preferred” gender. Through a critical lens, social workers need to deconstruct who holds the power to control whose body. These include reproductive, social and economic justice, environmental rights, women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights

Queer theory provides tools to deconstruct the gendered norms of cultures and examine the hierarchical power structure (Barker & Scheele, 2016). At the same time, anti-colonialist principles hold us accountable to not assume believes and values constructed by on society should be forced on another (Hiller & Carlson, 2018). How then do social workers as educators and practitioners address gender-based rights?

The effects of Western colonialism continue to be perpetuated as dominant groups utilize power to control values of right versus wrong, most often at the expense of indigenous knowledge (Billiot, 2019). Scholars have analyzed ways that Western social work has emphasized evidenced-based practices and professionalism over connectedness and relation (Fortier & Hon-Sing Wong, 2019). As environmental justice rises to global attention, there are increased calls for indigenous ways of knowing and disrupting settler colonialism (Hiller & Carlson, 2018).

How does a social worker demonstrate these skills when addressing the global injustices that occur because of culturally constructed values and beliefs? Gender is not a universal construct, but a social role created by societies and shaped into individuals’ development (Barker & Scheele, 2016). This requires understanding of Human Behavior and the Social Environment, as well as consideration of the ethical dilemma of whose values, beliefs, and practices are prioritized.

“Human rights are global rights” is a definitive statement that assumes agreement on what is right. Assuming universal value is complicated when examining issues related to gender. Gender advocacy may stem from Western countries who have allowed expanded definitions of gender norms. Does viewing gender hierarchy in other cultures and assessing “their way” as inferior perpetuate colonialism? Given that rights of the gendered minority have always been a fight to achieve, should that not create a universal right to gender expression and control of a gendered body?

The workshop will begin with presentation of theoretical concepts to provide a foundational framework. The presenters will then engage participants in large group discussion about the ethical dilemmas that emerge as educators and practitioners critically consider this type of advocacy work. Moving into conversation groups, presenters will help facilitate development of competency in social worker students. Finally, the group will reconvene to debrief and share collective knowledge.