Ideological Influences in Albertas Social Policy Framework

Karen Mason
University of Calgary
Faculty of Social Work

SOWK 665 Influencing Social Policy Development

Jake Kuiken

July 12, 2013

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Social work is a profession with unifying ideologies and values. A belief in
social justice is a cornerstone of our profession. Social workers recognize the role
that social inequities have in marginalizing communities and individuals.
Unfortunately, those with decision-making powers often do not share this
ideological stance. They instead embrace an ideology of rugged individualism
where the role of structural inequities is dismissed and individual victims of
inequities are blamed. This ideology shapes social policy and structural inequities
are perpetuated. The Social Policy Framework created by the Alberta government is
an example of social policy imbued with rugged individualism and as such, social
workers have a responsibility to advocate for those impacted by this framework.
Power inequities and socioeconomic influences were not addressed in the
process used to create the document, which is reflective of rugged individualism. In
reviewing the document I was initially excited that a collaborative approach had
been utilized. It is my belief that to be effective work with people and communities
must be collaborative. However, when the quality and methods of collaboration
used is examined a number of weaknesses are identified, and it appears
marginalized people and communities may not have had a voice in the process. The
process occurred over a six-month period, which is a relatively short period of time
for such a complex undertaking. As engagement must happened prior to
collaboration it is doubtful that those not already connected to the system had input
into the framework given the time frame. Also, there was a heavy reliance on
technologies and marginalized people may not have access or the skills required to
participate. Granted, community grants were provided to help support

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participation. Unfortunately, communities that are struggling with poverty and
diverse social issues are less likely to access such a grant. Lastly, the participants
identified include business groups, government workers, community service groups,
communities, and individual Albertans. This is a diverse group and it does not
appear that any efforts were made to recognize the power inequities inherent in
working with both dominant groups and those who are marginalized. Specific
techniques exist to better access marginalized groups, but none of these techniques
were identified in the process. The processes selected reflect rugged individualism
ideology as power inequities and the role of socioeconomic status were dismissed.
Yet, the goals and vision statement in the framework are reflective of social
work values. The Alberta Framework for Social Policy (2013) indicates it will
reduce inequality, protect vulnerable people, create a person-centered system of
high quality services and enable collaboration and partnerships (p. 10). The
reduction of inequality and protection of vulnerable people are key elements in the
ethical practice of social work. Collaboration and partnerships are also essential to
ethical delivery of services as it reflects a respect for those people and groups we
work with.
Similarly, the framework outlines principles of dignity, inclusion, and
recognizes the role community plays in wellness. Recognizing the inherent dignity
of individuals is a core social work principle and respectful practices are an essential
elemental of my social work practice. The CASW Social Policy Principles (2003)
describe key ethical principles of Dignity and Respect: each individual has the right
to self-fulfillment and goes on to define principle of equality (p. 3). When the

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inherent right to dignity is recognized principles of inclusion and equality are
exigent to effective practice. Having these principles included in the framework are
both encouraging and hopefully are reflect social change. This change may be the
result of advocacy, raising awareness, and human right legislation. The inclusion of
these principles in the framework provides a basis for further work in social
equality movement.
However, as goals and principles are translated into action ideological
meanings of language become apparent and an individualist tendencies emerge. For
example the framework indicates a value of inclusion. To achieve inclusion the
CASW (2005) recognizes the need of affirmative action and targeting for some
clients in order to minimize social exclusion (p. 4). Yet programs that seek to
address social barriers such as racism or sexism are not a focus of the framework. It
appears that individuals, and not social structures or government will be held
accountable for creating an inclusive society. The vision statement indicates,
everyone contributes to making our communities inclusive and welcoming
(Alberta Government, 2013, p.10). There is no recognition in the framework that
inequities need to be addressed at a structural level. This lack of government
intervention and is reflective of rugged individualism.
Unfortunately, the role of business in creating and maintaining a healthy
society is not a focus of the framework, which is consistent with individualistic
ideologies. In rugged individualism free market capitalism is encouraged and in this
model businesses are expected to do whatever is necessary to increase profits. The

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Alberta Social Policy Framework (2013) indicates the number of temporary foreign
workers increased from 37,100 to 58, 200 (57%) (p. 24). Yet there is no
recognition that the business community has responsibility to support workers they
have brought to the community. More importantly one can argue that using
temporary foreign workers has undermined labor union movements. Work offered
becomes cheaper for employers, but less stable and less well paid. Also, as the
business community is much more powerful in this hierarchical structure than the
individual and a business mandate emerges. The framework describes a need for
highly skilled, growing workforce to support long-term economic growth (Alberta
Government, 2013, p.5). An outcome of the social policy is to have individuals
develop the knowledge, skills, and commitment to learning necessary to realize
their potential and participate in society (Alberta Government, 2013, p. 11). It
appears education to create a functioning workforce is a primary goal of the social
policy. The dominant discourse is maintained as the focus remains on why
individuals are not being productive and factors at structural levels are not
addressed.
Sadly, The governments support of business at the expense of the less powerful
is evident. The Alberta Social Policy Framework does recognize that the gap between
the rich and the poor is growing in Alberta, and certain populations are facing challenges
resulting from this inequality (p. 6). The document indicates that economic inequality
negatively impacts health, social problems, and social cohesion. However, powers of
legislation that are within the provinces power to enact are not utilized. As the Alberta
College of Social Workers [ACSW] (2010) states Minimum wage does not pay enough

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to live and work at levels that allow people to realistically meet their costs, especially in
Albertas urban centers (p. 10). The framework does not address this reality and it
makes no indicates that it intends to address the needs of the working poor in the future.
Instead a vision statement is created where everyone has opportunities to fulfill their
potential and to benefit from our thriving social, economic, and cultural life (Alberta
Government, 2013, p.10). The focus appears to be on maintaining strong economic
conditions and that that alone will create opportunities and that this in isolation will
address the disparity in the benefits received by those with power and those who are
marginalized.
As well, rugged individualism is supported, as there does not appear to be a focus
on the redistribution of wealth through taxation. The document does indicate that
taxation is a tool that can be utilized in social policy. The ACSW (2010) calls for a
Return to progressive taxes and raise corporate and other taxes to levels that allow
continued support for public goods like healthcare, education and social programs that
Albertans feel are citizenship rights (p 6). Yet, there is no further discussion of policy
focusing on increased government spending or taxation. As a social worker I believe the
government has a responsibility to use redistributive models to address disparity through
taxation. Yet this approach is not utilized, as it is perceived as being detrimental to
attracting business and succeeding in free market capitalism.
Sadly, it appears that the government of Alberta is moving away from a role as a
service provider and depending more on a charity model. In rugged individualism those
who are in need of assistance are viewed as worthy or unworthy of assistance and are
dependent on charity. The ACSW (2010) calls for a

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shift away from a business model to one based on core service delivery and
away from the reliance on charity to a model based on rights. Provide more stable
and long-term funding, salaries equal to the public sector and appropriate
accountability measures. (p. 6)
Such a service delivery model ensures the rights of the vulnerable members of society. It
recognizes the inherent right of individuals to dignity and assistance. Contrary to this
recommendation the framework describes the role of government as an influencer,
funder, legislator, and partner (Alberta Government, 2013, p. 17). It does recognize that
service delivery as a function but indicates the delivery can be either direct or indirect.
This shift appears to support a charity model of intervention and has the potential to be
detrimental to the vulnerable members of society.
Perhaps the most disturbing evidence of rugged individualism found in the
document is the blaming the victim element of the ideology. This ideology asserts that
equal opportunity exists and if individuals are not thriving it is because of an inherent
flaw in the individual. Perhaps they lack motivation, education, or are somehow lazy.
The framework indicates that an outcome of social policy will be that individuals are
secure and resilient - support themselves and their households through safe work and
career opportunities (Alberta Government, 2013, p. 11). This implies that such
opportunities will exist for each person equally. The use of the word resilient implies that
individuals need to continue to thrive despite inequities experienced and that if they do
not continue to struggle they are not fulfilling their responsibilities as citizens. In short
they are lazy. The framework states individuals have a responsibility to take advantage
of those opportunities. Each generation has a responsibility to future generations, and

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this obligation should be taken into account when making decisions (Alberta
Government, 2013, p. 13). It asserts that individuals simply need to take advantage of
existing opportunities to be successful and that opportunities are universal. It goes
further implying that the individual is not only to blame for their own vulnerability, but
also the potential vulnerability of future generations. Social factors such as poverty,
racism, and colonialism are intergenerational in nature, yet the individual and not the
social inequity are being blamed. The assertion that this obligation be taken into account
when making policy decisions is not only disturbing and ominous, but also fundamentally
unjust. Inherent inequities are not only being ignored but also justified.
Social workers have an ethical duty to pursue social justice and advocate for
changes to the Alberta Framework for social policy. The Saskatchewan Association of
Social workers standards of practice reflects the core values outlined in the CASW Code
of ethics including the pursue of social justice(Saskatchewan Association of Social
Workers, 2011, p. 3). The framework indicates that it is a living document, which means
there is potential for revision. The CASW (2005) indicates, Social workers are aware of
the impact of the political arena on practice and strive to advocate for changes in policy
and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and
promote social justice (p.24). Social work has a history of social action driven at
creating social change and this knowledge and skill set must be utilized. One of the most
effective means of creating social change is to address policy changes as it has the power
to shape the social context in which we function. The needs of marginalized people and
communities need to be advocated for at this level. Advocacy must occur as the policy
framework is translated into practice. According to the ACSW (2010) The social work

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approach represents a fundamental shift away from the value of rugged individualism that
has underpinned widened inequality and instead puts collectivity front and center (pp. 78). As such social workers, with their shared values and duty to pursue social justice
ideologies have a key role to play and the must address the disparities inherent in the
Alberta Framework for Social Policy.
Unfortunately, the social policy framework created by the Alberta government is
and example of social policy based on and ideology of rugged individualism and social
workers must advocate for those impacted by it. Rugged individualism dismisses
structural social inequities and instead blames individuals who are marginalized. As this
ideology informs social policy social inequality is perpetuated. A social justice approach
instead recognizes the role of social structures and power differentials and advocates for
human equality based on the inherent dignity and worth of each individual must be
implemented. This social justice ideology is one that unifies the social work profession
as social workers recognize that such ideologies shape the world in which we live.

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References
Alberta College of Social Workers. (2010). ACSW Social Policy Framework.
Retrieved from http://www.acsw.ab.ca
Alberta Government. (2013). Albertas Framework for Social Policy. Retrieved
from http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/publications/16313.html
Canadian Association of Social Workers. (2005). Social Work Code of Ethics.
Retrieved from www.sasw.ca
Canadian Association of Social Workers. (2005). Guidelines for Ethical Practice.
Retrieved from www.sasw.ca
Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. (2011). Standards of Practice for
Registered Social Workers in Saskatchewan. Retrieved from www.sasw.ca