Racism Unmasked: The Experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students in Social Work Field Placements

Abstract

Attracting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the social work profession is an important strategy in responding to Indigenous disadvantage. The literature suggests that the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, knowledge, and skills in social work is impeded by racism and white privilege. This article reports on a research project that aimed to explore the field education experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work students. Interviews were conducted with 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates and their narratives were analysed through a collaborative process. Findings reveal experiences of subtle and overt racism as every day features of their placements. The findings highlight the need to address racism, the value of cultural mentors, and the necessity to increase the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic staff in social work education.

社会工作这一行之所以能吸引更多的原住民及托里海峡岛的居民，是因为它在应对原住民弱势状态时采取了一种重要的策略。本研究旨在探讨来自原住民及托里海峡岛的社工学生的田野教育经历。作者访谈了11位这样的学生及研究生，大家在一起共同分析了他们的讲述。研究发现，他们在实习中每天都会经历或隐或显的种族偏见。文章指出需要解决种族偏见，强调文化顾问的价值，呼吁社会工作教育部门雇佣更多来自原住民和托里海峡岛的学术人员。

Keywords:

• Field Education Placements
• Racism
• Indigenous
• Social Work Education

Acknowledgements

This project was funded through an AASW practitioner research grant. We would like to acknowledge the participants' generous sharing of their stories. Further we acknowledge the contributions of Patricia Johnson, an Indigenous Student Support Officer; Lisa Curtis, an Indigenous social work student on field placement with this project; and Lyn Munns, an Indigenous Student Support Officer, who brought important insights to our analysis.