Feminist Intervention

This week’s literature examined the effects and challenges of feminist intervention and “gender-specific” programming for girls and women. Through this examination, the authors questioned the effectiveness of commercialized feminism and the juvenile justice system, and theoretical orientation such as cognitive-behavioral modality, and empowerment practices. The readings proposed that these feminist social work's methods concentrate on the individual level rather than social level. The theorists argued that such a focus, on the surface, appear supportive and at times, produce individual client change. However, a few authors contended that feminism and social work’s need to transform or empower clients can lead to the disempowerment of girls and women and perpetuation of sexism, racism, ageism, heterosexism, inequality, and powerlessness.
The authors recommended the creation and execution of programs that invite diverse expressions and experiences. The readings advised critical examinations of assumptions and stereotypes among social workers and feminists and urged professionals to provide assistance and advocate for change at the individual, community, social network, and institutional level within an intersectional framework. The remainder of this paper explores contexts presented in Challenging commercialized feminism in programming for girls in juvenile