Impact of Social Work Education on Student Attitudes and Behavior concerning Oppression

Abstract

This study, involving 222 MSW students from two universities, examined the impact of a fall 1993 course on societal oppression. Pre- and post-tests designed to measure belief in a just world and commitment to social justice were administered to two comparison groups before and after the course was offered; the post-test was also given to two other comparison groups. Results showed that students tended to accept the just world ideology, and acceptance increased for students who took the oppression course; self-reported advocacy behaviors also increased somewhat, though unevenly; and students who believed in a just world and engaged in fewer advocacy behaviors experienced more distress when confronted with evidence of injustice. Possible reasons for both expected and unexpected findings are explored, as are the implications for social work education.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dorothy Van Soest

Dorothy Van Soest is associate dean, School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin.