Power

“Exposing power-relationships and working to minimize inequality are essential preparation for participation in a democracy.”

Jerry McClelland (1997)

I believe this is true and I believe that this applies to our ability to advocate for ourselves, our children and our family.  When dealing with a rare pediatric disease, we encounter so many people in positions of ‘power’ that we find ourselves trying to communicate with: bosses, surgeons, insruance representative, teachers, etc.

Some oppression is done to us by these people or by the structures that they work within (hospitals, schools, companies, etc.), and sometimes we oppress ourselves by accepting definitions created by and limitations imposed by society.  Recognizing that all relationships have an element of power, and helping people to identify the sources of power, creates a critical awareness that in turn allows us to be more active in creating the right balance of power in different situations.   This is critical for family members to understand as they relate to each other, and as they try to understand their connection to the larger society.