|
|||||
|
|
A critical examination of key assumptions underlying diversity and social justice courses in social work |
|
| Authors: | Gita R. Mehrotra Kimberly D. Hudson Jen M. Self |
| Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA;2. Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA;3. School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA |
| Abstract: | This article examines underlying assumptions of Master of Social Work diversity and social justice courses as sites that embody social work’s dual projects of social justice and professionalization. Through a latent content analysis of course syllabi from 27 US-based social work programs, three key assumptions emerged: (1) social workers are members of dominant social groups; (2) cultural competency and anti-oppression are compatible frameworks; (3) self-awareness mitigates oppression. Findings reflect the reification of dominant culture groups in social work and promotion of individual-level skill development over structural change. Implications and recommendations for social work education and future research are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Anti-oppression diversity MSW curriculum self-awareness social justice social work education |