What is it about?
In this article, the author reflects on their personal journey as both a scholar and a practitioner, examining how their work intersects with systems of power and oppression. Using cybernetics theory, which looks at how self-regulating systems work, the author explores how systems like the Imperialist White Supremacist Capitalist (Heteronormative Ableist Theistic) Patriarchy (IWSC(HAT)P) continue to create inequality across various identities, including race, gender, class, ability, and sexuality. The article also looks at social movements like Pride, #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and The Arab Spring, discussing how some have been absorbed into mainstream culture while others continue to resist. The author encourages scholars, clinicians, and activists to stay aware of their own roles within these power structures, recommending ways to avoid co-optation and to maintain a critical, transgressive approach to their work. The goal is to build more just and equitable systems by acknowledging and challenging these cycles of power.
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Why is it important?
This is important because it urges us to critically examine our roles in systems of power and oppression, both as individuals and in our professional practices. By reflecting on how systems of power perpetuate inequality, the article encourages practitioners, scholars, and activists to stay vigilant and humble in their work. Social movements have had varying degrees of success in challenging these systems, and it is vital that those working within these fields are aware of how they might inadvertently reinforce oppressive structures. This work emphasizes the need for ongoing self-reflection, particularly in clinical supervision and activism, to create meaningful change and advocate for more just and inclusive systems. In an era where movements for social justice continue to grow, this type of self-reflection is essential to ensuring that we are truly making progress, rather than reinforcing the very systems we aim to dismantle.
Perspectives
I believe it is crucial to reflect on the intersections of my work as a scholar, clinician, and activist with the systems of power and oppression that I critique. Cybernetics theory offers a unique lens to understand how systems of inequality, such as the IWSC(HAT)P, maintain themselves and shape our lives. Through this reflection, I aim to share not only a critique of these systems but also insights on how we as individuals and professionals can engage in more transformative, transgressive practices. My work in clinical supervision is particularly important to me, as it allows me to encourage others in the field to also critically reflect on their roles within these power structures. The ultimate goal of my work is to foster a more just, equitable, and self-aware practice, both individually and collectively, so that we can intervene in these systems and work toward a more inclusive future. This submission contributes to feminist praxis by emphasizing the need for vigilance, humility, and a commitment to creating real change through our practices.
Assoc. Prof. Ezra N. S. Lockhart
National University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Reflexive Examination of IWSC(HAT)P Through Cybernetics, Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, February 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/08952833.2025.2472521.
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