Developing the next generation of social work activists: Support for eliminating the micro–macro divide

ABSTRACT

Social action is an ethical mandate, but the literature suggests that social work’s engagement in activities that remedy systemic social injustices have been inadequate. This study examined the social action of Master of Social Work graduates. Social workers who concentrated on macro practice felt more confident in nine competencies found to be common to this method. Enhanced social action was reported by macro social workers. Seven macro practice competencies were related to increased social action frequency. Educators must strive for a more inclusive curricular approach, regardless of concentration, to ensure that all graduates have the requisite skills for social change.

KEYWORDS:

• Education
• social action
• social justice
• social change
• activism
• pedagogy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.