Equal power is just that- power is distributed equally. For example, dominant subordination can be seen through Cuba's dictator Fidel Castro. While initially in a group project, the power is or at least should distributed equally. The differences of these forms of power is crucial for helping relationships. Being in a helping profession, it is our obligation to not devalue our clients. And that is to not make our clients feel unpowered and to not take the dominant subordination route but rather the equal one. BY taking the equal approach, your clients will be able to feel empowered and being to value their worth. At the end of the day, your client's best interests are always first. .
If it is something I stress; it is the importance of equality; equality in gender roles, households, communities, work environment, etc. I do not condone on making anyone feel less than they should; I was raised to respect everyone and treat people equal to yourself. Like Pinderhughes conveys; power influences all aspects of your life but not only yours those around you- the community as a whole. Power itself for me is frightening, people will go that extra mile to obtain power. Me? Especially in the profession I am interested in power is something that needs to be settled equally. Ultimately, being in a clinician relationship, you will always have more power than your client like a teacher has over their students. However there is no need to speak to them in a way that makes them feel less than you or unworthy to be in the same room as you. Having such a dominant personality does not work in the social work profession, you need to make your clients feel comfortable not intimidate of you. Or making it clear you are above them and they have to listen to everything you say. For example, I can recall a scenario where I felt beyond disrespected. A group of my friends decided to go to Fridays' after a football game.
