A Look at Assertiveness

While reading Chapter 8 in Community Practice: Theories and skills for Social Workers (Second Edition) by Hardcastle and Powers, which discusses the importance of assertiveness in relation to community practice, I asked myself (I even wrote it in the margin) "Who sets the standard for assertiveness?" Though what is perceived as assertiveness can vary among genders and cultures, (probably even age groups) there still seems to be a dominant standard. While initially I reflected back to my experiences in traditionally male-dominated workplaces and how I had to make changes to the way I communicate in order to be listened to, taken seriously, followed and respected. I felt that survival in these places meant adopting the standard; now I find myself more drawn to this assertiveness in others. Not to say that the "dominant standard of assertiveness" is all bad; I think it is important to deconstruct the ideas and ask who's rule is this anyway?, it helps me look at the interplay between individuals, groups and systems, power distribution, etc. Tannen (1990) reminded me that men too are judged in relation to communication, while assertiveness training "judges women by men's standards, sensitivity training (therapy) judges men by women's standards" (Hardcastle & Powers, 2004 p.222).

The text (p.218) makes reference to the "women's movement" in relation to assertiveness training. With further reading (Talking Difference on Gender and Language), I realized that their are different schools of thought on assertiveness training among feminists. While "changing individual beliefs and behaviors can help deal with social oppression" can be facilitated by assertiveness training, it also allows for a focus on the individual's or group's way of communication and less emphasis on the affect of system on an individual or group within a social context (Crawford, 1995, p. 80-81).

In the field, for example, if organizing a group of women in a developing nation, one must work carefully in the context, while changing beliefs and behaviors can lead to social change, an organizer should not impose their understanding of how a strong, effective/successful women should behave. Taking time to get to know the community, its cultural context, working cautiously and being mindful of self are keys to good community organizing. Though assertiveness has its place, there must be balance and caution involved.