Critical Race Theory

Abstract

Critical race theory emerged during the 1980s from critiques and resistances of (mainly) black African American students and academics to the racist assumptions and practices underpinning legal education in the Western academy and the practice of law in the United States of America. The resultant body of work and practice became known as critical race theory, reflecting two primary interests. The first of these was to examine and understand how the structure of white supremacy and authority and the oppression of people of color was maintained within the institution of the law. The second and critical interest was to challenge and change this structural inequality. Thus critical race theory as a body of work reflects the emergence of a critical theoretical standpoint and a call to action reflected in the work of its protagonists since its inception in the late 1980s.

Integration of Social Work Values and Principles in Police Work

“…As it relates to both police officers and social workers, social identity can be understood as how prototypical individuals within each profession are, and how they've appraised their membership within their respective groups. Threats to social identity often result in negative self-esteem and can be countered through passing, exiting, or voicing (Rodriguez, 2016). The negative social appraisal of police, and at times social workers, is one example of a threat to social identity.…”