Final answer:
Anti-oppressive practice is a framework within social work aimed at addressing and challenging systemic inequalities and power imbalances. It aligns with other forms of social justice activism such as applied theater and intersectionality, and employs reflective practices like Art of Hosting for community empowerment and cultural development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anti-oppressive practice (AOP) refers to social work practices that address structural inequalities and power imbalances in society to achieve social justice. This approach involves a critical analysis of power dynamics in various contexts and encourages practitioners to recognize and challenge forms of oppression in their professional work. AOP is closely related to concepts such as the Theatre of the Oppressed, a theatrical form developed by Augusto Boal based on Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and to frameworks like intersectional praxis, which acknowledge the interconnectedness of multiple forms of oppression.
Applied theatre, a term popularized in the 1990s, includes practices like the Theatre of the Oppressed and aims to serve marginalized communities by using theater as a medium for social change. It facilitates dialogue, reflection, and the development of creative responses to prevailing social issues. Community psychologists and other professionals can use methods like the Art of Hosting to foster community engagement and collective action toward cultural development. Anti-oppressive practice also involves self-awareness, where examining one's own biases can help restructure societal views and reduce oppression.