Resilience and Resistance in Professional Identity Making: Gleanings from the Classroom Experiences of Devout Christian Social Workers

Abstract

Recent assertions raise questions about whether university social work programs might discriminate against Christian students. Findings from this exploratory study of Christian social workers describe ways in which individuals have negotiated and/or silenced their religious identities while studying or practicing. Semistructured interviews with seven self-described Christian social workers revealed specific acts of resilience and resistance. Study participants perceived more challenges to their religious identities while in the university than the workplace. Moreover, respect for client self-determination mediated possible conflict between religious and social work values. Many participants disagreed with specific practices within the school of social work but also critically examined policies adopted by their church communities. Recommendations for pedagogy and practice are summarized.

Keywords:

• Christian social workers
• professional identity
• religion and social work
• resilience