NETWORKS AND NETWORKING

First of all, I do not agree with these authors' views. Although he says some things that I agree with, like the fact that, "Interdependence and fair exchanges foster network cohesion and solidarity" (Hardcastle and Powers, 2004. p. 297). But, I believe that labor organizing and community organizing are two separate processes. Community organizing, as a process, is for people who are stuck in unmitigating circumstances; whereas labor organizing is for a company that is bargaining with its workers. The fact that people are referred to as "units" is dehumanizing and demoralizing.
I see networking as an important process in social work. Networking, as defined by Barker (2003) in The Social Work Dictionary, is: "efforts to enhance and develop the social linkages that might exist between people. These efforts include strengthening the supportive quality of existing networks, establishing new ones, creating linkages among the various networks to promote more competent support, and mobilizing these networks" (p. 294). In our book, bargaining is the most widely used strategy (a win-lose situation). A win-win situation is collaboration and cooperation. I do not see why these methods are not used more often. Although, for marginalized people, core beliefs are motivating us to function on their behalf. What I take issue with are the rules of engagement. "These rules govern where the bargaining will occur; the length and nature of the sessions; the format, agenda, and procedures; and even the shape of the bargaining table," (Hardcastle & Powers. 2004. p. 304), which is petty and trivial where people's lives and struggles are concerned. The dominant culture has to pursue these unimportant things, like the shape of the bargaining table, to maintain control of the people. If we want to fight for people's rights, we have to remain in solidarity with them and not worry about the rules of engagement.

References:

Barker, R.L. (2003). The Social Work Dictionary. (5th Ed.). USA: NASW.

Hardcastle, D.A., & Powers, P.R. (with Wenocur, S.) (2004). Community practice: Theories and skills for social workers. (2nd Ed.). New York:
Oxford University Press.