Social Work, Politics, and Social Policy Education: Applying a Multidimensional Framework of Power

ABSTRACT

The call to promote social justice sets the social work profession in a political context. In an effort to enhance social workers’ preparedness to engage in political advocacy, this article calls on educators to integrate a broad theoretical understanding of power into social policy curricula. We suggest the use of a multidimensional conceptualization of power that emphasizes mechanisms of decision making, agenda control, and attitude formation. We then apply these mechanisms to demonstrate how two prominent features of contemporary politics—party polarization and racially biased attitudes—affect the ability of social workers to influence policy. Finally, we suggest content that social work educators can integrate to prepare future social workers to engage in strategic and effective social justice advocacy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amy Krings

Amy Krings is an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago,

Vincent Fusaro

Vincent Fusaro is an Assistant Professor at Boston College,

Kerri Leyda Nicoll

Kerri Leyda Nicoll is an Assistant Professor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and

Na Youn Lee

Na Youn Lee is an Assistant Professor at University of Mississippi.