Teaching Social Justice Through Critical Reflection: Using Immersive Theatre to Address HIV Among Black Gay Men

ABSTRACT

Critical reflection helps social work students gain a better understanding of their role and how to address social justice issues through empowerment and awareness. One way to encourage critical reflection is through the use of innovative methods such as immersive theatre. This qualitative study examined critical reflection to increase students’ skills in HIV-related intervention. Results found two main themes: (1) Responding and acting: The role of Social Workers in addressing HIV in the Black Community and (2) A greater understanding of HIV as a social justice issue. Implications for social work educators include utilizing critical reflection with innovative teaching to help students better understand issues related to social justice and health disparities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anthony T. Estreet

Anthony T. Estreet, PhD, LCSW-C, LCADC, is affiliated with Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. Nia Johnson, PhD, LGSW, is affiliated with West Chester University, West Chester, PA. Paul Archibald, DrPh, LCSW-C, is affiliated with College of Staten Island, CUNY, Staten Island, NY.

Nia Johnson

Anthony T. Estreet, PhD, LCSW-C, LCADC, is affiliated with Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. Nia Johnson, PhD, LGSW, is affiliated with West Chester University, West Chester, PA. Paul Archibald, DrPh, LCSW-C, is affiliated with College of Staten Island, CUNY, Staten Island, NY.

Paul Archibald

Anthony T. Estreet, PhD, LCSW-C, LCADC, is affiliated with Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. Nia Johnson, PhD, LGSW, is affiliated with West Chester University, West Chester, PA. Paul Archibald, DrPh, LCSW-C, is affiliated with College of Staten Island, CUNY, Staten Island, NY.