Teaching Note—Incorporating Social Innovation Content Into Macro Social Work Education

Abstract

The practice of social innovation offers promising approaches for addressing social issues. Although many social innovation strategies are congruent with macro social work theory and practice, some of the insights and tactics that have emerged in the social innovation field have the potential to strengthen current macro practice. Based on our experiences with the social innovation program at the Boston College School of Social Work, we focus on 5 aspects of the social innovation cycle and suggest social innovation content that can be incorporated into macro social work curriculum.

Notes

¹ Although a review of social work macro curricula is clearly beyond the scope of this teaching note, readers can consult texts for numerous examples of community planning and program design, including O’Connor and Netting, 2009; Netting, O’Conner, and Fauri, 2008; and Rothman, 2008.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes

Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes is professor and Stephanie Cosner Berzin is associate professor at Boston College.

Stephanie Cosner Berzin

Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes is professor and Stephanie Cosner Berzin is associate professor at Boston College.