Critical reflection on toleration in social work

Abstract

The concept of toleration does not play a prominent role in current social work discourse. However, it is important for social workers to understand what toleration is and to critically reflect on its potential for positive or negative effects in social work. Toleration in social work is inseparable from power relations and its effects are context-dependent. While some forms of toleration are expressions of respect and recognition, power asymmetries in social work can implicate even these positive forms of toleration in systems of control and oppression. Social workers should hence critically reflect on how power affects the meaning and effects of toleration in social work. The objection and acceptance components of toleration involve assessments of people, beliefs, practices, etc., against standards. Hence, tolerant social workers have reasons to critically reflect on whether such assessments are ill-based, reflect systemic misrecognition, or fail to duly respect clients. At the same time, social workers have reasons to use the term ‘toleration’ in social work practice in a context-sensitive, effects-aware manner.

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