Safety in numbers?: lesbian women in a social worker/client relationship: the strengths and weaknesses of working together

Abstract

Heterosexism is prevalent in current New Zealand society. Lesbian women are surrounded by images of heterosexuality and are often exposed to discrimination because of their sexual orientation. When I began this research I believed that lesbian women (clients) involved in a social work relationship would receive a safer service if they were matched with another lesbian woman (social worker). During the course of this research I interviewed eight lesbian women. Four of those lesbian women had been involved in a social work relationship from the perspective of a client and the other four lesbian women worked as social workers. I asked all of the women to share their thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of working together in a matched social worker / client relationship. Additionally, they stated whether they would prefer to participate in a matched relationship. In this thesis I explore the strengths and weaknesses from two different perspectives, that of the lesbian women (clients) and the lesbian women (social workers). I also explore preferences for matching as indicated by the women themselves and current literature. From this research, I offer the following suggestions. Heterosexism, which exists in society, is reflected within social work. Lesbian women (clients) receiving a service from a social work agency and its worker will more than likely experience heterosexism in that context. Lesbian women (social workers) working in a social work agency will more than likely experience heterosexism from a variety of possible sources including the agency, and other people (clients and social workers). A matched social work relationship for lesbian women (social workers and clients) will have strengths and weaknesses. The women expressed contrasting views about whether they wished to participate in a matched social worker/client relationship. This research is directly relevant for other groups, ethnicities, communities, cultures and individuals who have experienced oppression within the framework of social work. The conclusion of this research is that social work needs to be open to multiple possibilities. Social work should embrace many different expressions of culture, language, ethnicity and sexual orientation and challenge the dominant Western Pakeha culture which currently exists. Recommendations for social work theory, social work agencies and social work education are outlined.