Exercise 6: Step 2

Towards more inclusive recording

To begin with, have a look at a selection of your own files perhaps and, if appropriate, go back over a number of years. Jot down some notes about what you found which might be considered oppressive. One key test to apply might be 'How would I feel if this was written about me?' Another is 'What would a lawyer make of this?'

The following examples are taken from David Shemmings' studies of recording, unless it states otherwise. They cover most of the more subtle types of oppressive recording. We are not suggesting for one moment that social work recording is like this in general; they are selected for illustration only . . . But you might like to reflect on how many of these examples you can find in your own and other people's records.

Have a look at each extract and then make some notes against each one about what you think is oppressive.

When Mr Evershed arrived he very quickly launched an attack on all concerned and made it abundantly clear that the review was pointless, since anything we said would not be accepted by him. (Kinnibrugh 1984, p.112).

Mrs Evershed was extremely distressed, bordering on hysteria, and I had great difficulty in discussing, or hearing her coherently … She rambled on at great length about . . . (Kinnibrugh 1984, p. 112).

Mr and Mrs B are of low ability and this has been a factor in their neglect of their children. The family home is often untidy and is badly organised. Mr and Mrs B have been unresponsive to attempts to help them.

Mrs D is maternal, caring, not well-organised, yet capable.

Mrs H is dirty in her habits, her flat is strewn with litter and half-eaten food. A neighbour told me Mrs H had been shoplifting in Sainsbury's but was not discovered.

I noticed there was piece of half-eaten quiche on the high chair, and on inspecting the kitchen found the bread bin was empty. Obviously Mrs J shows a lack of parenting skill in respect of her children.

Mr K is clearly a deeply religious man who perceives that the destiny of his family will be unaffected by social work intervention. He therefore tolerates this department's actions out of politeness, rather than from any belief in its potential effectiveness.

L is open and friendly in her contact with this section. She readily shares information and seeks support, telephoning or visiting generally on a weekly basis. She presents as anxious to please and to be seen to be working effectively.

M is being very co-operative and seems willing to anything I ask in order to achieve her goal. I wonder, however, if this climate will continue when I start to press for a more thorough examination of events.

I will walk into the flat, there is always a string odour - not very pleasant. If only she could be honest and tell me she cannot cope I would have a better opinion of her.

Mrs P lives at home in a well-maintained flat that is nicely decorated and furnished. She spends far too much on tobacco and has too many male callers.

A very clever woman, somewhat neurotic. Enmeshed relationship with second son (also very bright). Sex with husband? Likely parasuicidal attempts in past. Interesting to do joint work with female worker - sexual attraction to male therapist?