Preparing Social Workers for Anti-Oppressive Practice: Evaluating the Role of Critical Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

Although critical social work (CSW) is an important framework for addressing racism and oppression within social work, few studies have examined CSW education. This study assessed CSW educational opportunities, student attitudes, and the effect of CSW exposure on student learning via a survey administered to undergraduate and graduate social work students (N=191). Findings suggest that students have a strong interest in CSW, but that classroom and field placement opportunities are inconsistent. Linear regression model results demonstrate that student knowledge of and interest in CSW are significant predictors of higher scores on the Diversity and Oppression Scale (Windsor et al., 2015). Based on the study findings, recommendations regarding curriculum development and field placement policies for social work educators are discussed.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This publication was supported by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work internal funding mechanism for doctoral students. The contents of this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor are an endorsement by, the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

Notes on contributors

Christopher T. Thyberg

Christopher T. Thyberg is Doctoral Candidate at the University of Pittsburgh.