Social work and social justice advocacy: a survey of BSW students’ attitudes and perceptions

ABSTRACT

Over the last century, the social work profession has gained acceptance and recognition as a primary provider of mental health treatment services in the U.S. Many within the profession have voiced concerns that such recognition came at the cost of social work’s dedication to macro-level advocacy and activism. Nonetheless, research indicates that the majority of social work professionals identify social justice advocacy as integral to their identities and viewed as obligatory. However, little is known about the attitudes and beliefs of current social work students regarding the fit and function of social justice advocacy, insight that could prove helpful in planning for the social work profession’s future among the helping professions. The present study surveyed undergraduate social work students currently enrolled in one of five CSWE-accredited programs in Western New York State regarding their views of social justice advocacy and anticipated involvement in such advocacy once they enter the field. Participants indicated a strong belief in the value of social justice advocacy and expectation that they will engage in such activities as professional social workers, though they lack confidence and feel somewhat ill-prepared for doing so. Implications for social work curricula and education are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work education
• social justice
• advocacy
• undergraduate
• BSW

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Drs. Diane Bessel, Michael Clarkson-Hendrix, Kristin Heffernan, Kevin Blair, and Mohamed Benhima for their invaluable assistance with this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James Golden

James Golden is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at Buffalo State University, SUNY.