For citizens in some countries, religious oppression is common and long-standing. Although freedom of religion is protected in the United States, religious intolerance and discrimination remain. Consider Islamophobia and the backlash against those of the Muslim faith following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Social workers must be alert for the complex ways that religious oppression and privilege function. By creating an awareness of the privilege given to some while marginalizing others, social workers can understand how this bias impacts their clients. In this Discussion, you explore the relationship between privilege, oppression, and religion.

To Prepare

• Review the Learning Resources on religions. Consider how religion connects with privilege and oppression, and generate examples of these connections.

By Day 3

Write a post in which you:

• Explain the connection between privilege and religion.
• Describe a situation in which members of a religion experience privilege.
• Then, describe a situation in which members of a different religion experience religious oppression.