Exploring the Integration of Social Justice into Social Work Research Curricula

Abstract

The Council on Social Work Education mandates that social justice content be integrated throughout social work curricula. Although much has been written about integrating social justice into practice, policy, and human behavior and social environment courses, little attention has been given to research methods courses. This study surveyed a national sample of social work research faculty members to examine how they conceptualize and integrate social justice into their research courses. Findings show that a majority support this integration. However, they do so from general ideas of social justice. They use both traditional and creative pedagogical methods involving lectures, use of critical theories, and multimedia. Implications for social work education and future directions for research are discussed.