Perfectionism is a tool of oppression in western culture

Perfectionism is a fast growing trend of the last several decades in Western society, which results in many adverse social and psychological outcomes such as social isolation, substance misuse, painful parenting experience, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation. This major paper reviews existing literature on perfectionism, through the lens of critical and anti-oppressive social work, with the purpose of filling the gap in discussions about perfectionism on the macro level of social work theory and practice. It discusses that perfectionism is deeply rooted in Western culture that encourages inappropriate expectations and unrealistically high standards for members of society. Perfectionism became a tool of oppression used by the dominant group to reinforce imperialism and capitalism by creating an impossible template of what is deemed “acceptable”.