Effects of Individual Characteristics and Experiences on MSW Students’ Advocacy

ABSTRACT

This study examines individual factors that influence activity in antiracism advocacy and political–social advocacy among MSW students. The research team sent an online survey link to the current MSW students and recent graduates of five schools in the United States. The results indicate that people who identify as bisexual and queer, study a macro concentration, and have work experience with historically marginalized people had positive associations with antiracism advocacy and political–social advocacy. Findings suggest that MSW educators should provide training to current and prospective students with certain demographic characteristics and experiences, who tend to have low advocacy so that they can also actively participate in promoting the well-being of historically marginalized people.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

The author acknowledges financial support from the University of Maryland PhD Program to complete this study.

Notes on contributors

Eunsong Park

Eunsong Park is a PhD student at University of Maryland, Baltimore.