Threadings.
Therapists Are Also the Police: Social Work, Sex Work, and the Politics of Deservingness
Jun 6, 2023
Authors Andrea Ritchie, Mariame Kaba, and Melissa Gira Grant discuss the connection between social work, policing, and sex work. They explore the history of social work's association with policing and challenge the politics of deservingness within the field. The podcast also dives into the flaws of the current therapy system and emphasizes the importance of community healing and support.
36:33
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Licensure in the therapeutic field prioritizes clinician safety over client well-being, raising questions about the legitimacy of state accountability and the perpetuation of policing and deservingness.
- Social work's historical roots in policing, tied to limiting resources to those deemed deserving, contribute to unequal distribution of resources and oppressive social policies, with sex workers being one of the stigmatized groups.
Deep dives
Licensure prioritizes clinician protection over client well-being
Licensure in the therapeutic field is more focused on safeguarding the clinician rather than ensuring the well-being of the client. The author argues that licensure is a contract with the state that coerces clinicians into compliance. The author questions the legitimacy and benefit of state accountability and emphasizes the importance of critically examining where social workers pledge their loyalty. While acknowledging the necessity of licensure for many social work positions, the author advocates for resistance against an infrastructure that perpetuates policing and deservingness.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
