Educating Social Workers for the Role of Effective Change Agents in a Multicultural, Pluralistic Society

Abstract

New educational approaches in the preparation of practitioners for the role of change agents in a pluralistic society are examined critically. Necessary changes are the introduction of a crosscultural and change perspective that would permeate the entire curriculum, and the provision of a developmental approach in practice.

Special competence in working with ethnic minorities and cultural groups to understand their aspirations and to formulate policies that would ensure greater justice to them is also necessary. In addition, educational preparation should enhance students' capacity to make judgments in regard to change efforts and strategies and to develop competence in evaluating the effectiveness of social work intervention.