Alternative Title

Influence of the learning environment on the emerging social worker's professional identity as an agent of social justice

Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Study Type

Exploratory,Qualitative

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Social work education, Social workers-Training, Social justice, Social service-Fieldwork, Social work education-Curricula, Social workers-Professional ethics, Professional self, Social climate, Field placement, Professional identity development, MSW training, Organizational climate, Social work curriculum, Field practicum, NASW, Code of Ethics, Social action, Advocacy, Social change, CSWE, Social environment

Abstract

In Master of Social Work programs, one of the objectives of the field practicum is the development of a professional self. A field placement agency may encourage, discourage, and/or limit the student’s ability to implement social justice interventions in their work with clients which may impact their development of a professional identity as it relates to social justice. In this exploratory study, qualitative data was obtained through eight semi-structured interviews. The findings confirm that the social climate of a field placement agency influences the student’s ability to develop aspects of their professional identity dedicated to engaging in social action activities. Additionally, these experiences were found to have long-term consequences on the student’s later professional behavior in advocacy work as well as in relationships with supervisors and other social workers.

Language

English

Comments

62 pages : color illustration. Includes bibliographical references (pages 43-49)

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