“We wonder if white peers even want to understand”: Social Work Students’ Experiences of the Culture of Human Interchange

ABSTRACT

Diversity curriculum supports students in becoming critically reflexive social workers and advancing their multicultural practice. Often unexamined is how students perceive the explicit curriculum about race and racism and experience the implicit curriculum through the culture of human interchange. Ninty-three social work students completed a survey about their experiences in diversity classes. Using qualitative methods, we examine how students experienced the culture of human interchange in discussions of race and racism. Two themes influence the culture of human interchange: are to the disconnect in instructional praxis, and the contested terrain between marginalized and privileged identities. Implications for instructors have knowledge about U.S. history of race and racism and the systemic barriers for people of color, and to engage in self-reflection.

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tasha Seneca Keyes

Tasha Seneca Keyes, PhD, MSW, is assistant professor in the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Elizabeth Hendrix, MSW, is a PhD student in the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Aster Tecle, PhD, MSW, was an assistant professor in the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Christina Andiono, MSW, graduated from the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Brittany Bitters, MSW, graduated from the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Rachel Carter, MSW, graduated from the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Elisabeth Koelling, MSW, graduated from the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Emily Ortiz, MSW, graduated from the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Michelle Sanchez, MSW, graduated from the College of Social Work at University of Utah. Irene Ota, MPA, is curriculum developer and facilitator of diversity trainings. Christina Gringeri, PhD, MSW, is professor and director of doctoral studies in the College of Social Work at University of Utah.