Publication Date

2010

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Smith College. School for Social Work-Students, Smith College. School for Social Work-Curricula, Social work education-Massachusetts-Northampton, Anti-racism-Study and teaching (Graduate)-Massachusetts-Northampton, Social workers-Attitudes, Anti-racism, Social work education, Whiteness (Studies), White privilege, Race, Pedagogy, Racism, Self-reflection, Graduate education, Master of Social Work, Clinical social work (Practice), Whites-Attitudes

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the ongoing impact of an explicit anti-racism mission on white graduates of the Smith College School for Social Work (SSW) and to determine which elements of the anti-racism experience are most salient. Specifically, which salient experiences influence white graduates in continuing to engage in anti-racism work in the field of social work. Data was gathered from 85 white participants who completed the MSW program between 1994 and 2009. An online survey instrument was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data on participants' attitudes and behaviors related to anti-racism and their recollections of the program as it influenced their learning about racism and whiteness. Significant findings are presented. The most notable finding is that all participants underwent some change or transformation in attitudes and behaviors due to the anti-racism experience, although to varying degrees. Affective consequences of anti-racism pedagogy and the crucial role that professors play in these processes are discussed. Recommendations derived from participants' responses are put forth.

Language

English

Comments

iii, 90 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2010. Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-77)

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