Facing Structural Inequality: Students' Orientation to Oppression and Practice with Oppressed Groups

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between social work students' views on oppression and their willingness to serve and advocate for oppressed populations. The sample included students from 3 accredited programs in a southeastern state in the United States, 1 large urban-based public university with BSW and MSW programs, and 2 small, rural, faith-based institutions with BSW programs. A typology of 4 categories was used for the study. Findings have pertinence for the social work profession as it continues to explicate its moral obligation as a service provider and for social work education as it suggests the further development of a curriculum model that relates to the principles of structural justice.