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Understanding social justice in social work: a content analysis of course syllabi
- Authors:
- HONG Philip Young P., HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Families in Society, 90(2), April 2009, pp.212-219.
- Publisher:
- The Alliance for Children and Families
In spite of the importance of social justice to the profession of social work, little research exists on the topic, contributing to what some have called a "conceptual muddle." To help clarify the profession’s understanding of social justice, this study analyzed a representative sample of social justice syllabi (N = 31) in the US. To analyze the textual data, keyword, cluster, and linking analyses were preformed. The findings suggest that (a) some groups and issues are highlighted at the expense of others and (b) a four-dimensional conceptualization of social justice may be embedded in course syllabi, implicitly informing professional discourse. The results are discussed in light of recent professional controversies related to social justice.
Moving toward spiritual competency: deconstructing religious stereotypes and spiritual prejudices in social work literature
- Authors:
- HODGE David R., BAUGHMAN Lisa M., CUMMINGS Julie A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Service Research, 32(4), 2006, pp.211-231.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In spite of growing interest in spirituality and religion, and the prominent position given to religion in social work's educational policies and ethical standards, no studies have explored the profession's level of spiritual sensitivity. Accordingly, the authors examined the visibility of faith groups and their characterizations in 71 influential social work textbooks. This study found that faith groups, in contrast to a number of comparison groups, were essentially invisible as populations worthy of students' direct attention. Further, when faith groups were discussed, they tended to be characterized in a biased, spiritually insensitive manner. To move toward spiritual competency, social work must increase the amount of material devoted to faith groups and ensure that they are depicted in a manner that is consistent with their worldviews. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Social justice as a unifying theme in social work education: principles to realize the promise of a new pedagogical model
- Author:
- HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Comparative Social Welfare, 26(2-3), June 2010, pp.201-213.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Social work education plays a significant role in promoting a more inclusive, civil, societal environment. In the face of increasing diversity, social work can offer an alternative model, marked by inclusiveness and coexistence. Yet, historically, social work has often operationalised social justice in a manner that engenders exclusion, rather than inclusion, raising concerns the profession will repeat such mistakes in the future. This article, building upon Mohan's extensive work in the areas of epistemic pluralism, social justice, and human rights, proposes three principles to help realise the promise embedded in the social justice framework while circumventing past mistakes. These three interrelated guidelines can be summarised as: an affirmation of epistemic pluralism; that creates space for bottom-up, client-centred conceptualisations; which in turn are congruent with fundamental human rights. Practical educational strategies are provided to nurture movement toward a new educational model characterised by inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence.
Moving toward a more inclusive educational environment? A multi-sample exploration of religious discrimination as seen through the eyes of students from various faith traditions
- Author:
- HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Education, 42(2), 2006, pp.249-268.
- Publisher:
- Council on Social Work Education
This multi-sample study of 391 American master of social work students from various faith traditions explores the extent to which religious discrimination is perceived to exist as a problem in social work education programs. No difference in perceptions emerged between religiously affiliated and non-affiliated respondents. Evangelical Christians generally reported higher levels of discrimination than theologically liberal and mainline Christians. The confirmation of the second hypothesis suggests that professional attention may be needed to ensure compliance with the profession’s ethical and educational standards, while the failure of the first hypothesis suggests that progress toward a more inclusive educational environment may be occurring.
Religious discrimination in social work: preliminary evidence
- Authors:
- RESSLER Lawrence E., HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 24(4), 2005, pp.55-73.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study explored perceptions of compliance with the ethical standards related to religion (N = 222). As posited, perceptions of ethical compliance were lower among social workers who affirmed a conservative or orthodox theological orientation compared to those who affirmed a liberal or progressive theology. Standards of particular concern were those related to (a) social work education about religious diversity and the oppression religious people encounter and (b) efforts to prevent and eliminate religious discrimination. In concert with these findings, qualitative analysis indicated two areas of major concern: institutional settings, such as academia, and colleagues. Respondents reported being demeaned, denigrated, ridiculed, and scorned by social work colleagues due to their religious beliefs, particularly in educational settings. Interestingly, 44% of both orthodox and progressive respondents knew of clients who had experienced discrimination due to their religious beliefs at the hands of social work colleagues.
Spirituality in social work education: a development and discussion on goals that flow from the professional's ethical madates
- Author:
- HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work Education (The International Journal), 24(1), February 2005, pp.37-55.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Growing interest in incorporating spirituality into curriculum content exists. Little consideration, however, has occurred regarding the purpose or goals of this content. Building upon the profession's ethical mandates, this paper develops two intertwined objectives that should inform content: understanding spiritual diversity and the discrimination subordinate faiths encounter in the dominant mainstream culture. Theories are reviewed and empirical data are cited that provide a context for understanding, and illustrate the need to address, the issues of spiritual diversity and discrimination. In effect, this material is based upon the same widely used template that informs social work content in other areas of diversity - namely that a difference in worldviews in conjunction with a power differential fosters bias toward subordinate worldviews. It is suggested that the profession's ethics require the adoption of the same basic template in the area of spiritual diversity as is used in other areas of diversity.
Spiritual needs in health care settings: a qualitative meta-synthesis of clients' perspectives
- Authors:
- HODGE David R., HORVATH Violet E.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work: A journal of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 56(4), October 2011, pp.306-316.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
In response to research suggesting that most social workers have received minimal training in identifying spiritual needs, this study uses a qualitative meta-synthesis of 11 studies to identify and describe clients' perceptions of their spiritual needs in health care settings. To be included in the present analysis, studies had to be qualitative inquires that explored understandings of clients’ spiritual needs in health care settings and featured primarily clients’ perspectives. In addition, studies had to be published in English and peer-reviewed. The results revealed six interrelated themes: meaning, purpose, and hope; relationship with God; spiritual practices; religious obligations; interpersonal connection; and professional staff interactions. The findings underscore the importance of conducting spiritual assessments in health care settings. It is through the process of conducting a spiritual assessment that spiritual needs are typically identified. Once identified, steps can be taken to address any needs that emerged during the assessment process. Implications for social work education and practice are discussed.
Religious discrimination and ethical compliance: exploring perceptions among a professionally affiliated sample of graduate students
- Author:
- HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 26(2), 2007, pp.91-113.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study examines perceptions of religious discrimination and ethical compliance among a national sample of religiously heterogeneous 111 graduate students on non-sectarian US social work programmes. A demographically matched comparison group of secular students was also recruited. Relevant theory and research are reviewed as a background to the study’s exploration of the degree to which respondents had personally experienced discrimination in their programmes because of their religious beliefs; the extent to which they perceived such discrimination to be a problem in their programmes; and their perceptions of the social work profession’s compliance with the six ethical standards that explicitly or implicitly address religion. As hypothesised, theologically liberal and mainline Protestants were no more likely than students of no faith to experience or perceive discrimination, while evangelical and conservative Protestants did. They also perceived significantly less compliance with the six ethical standards than did the theologically liberal group. Implications for social work education are discussed. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Progressing toward inclusion? Exploring the state of religious diversity
- Author:
- HODGE David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work Research, 31(1), March 2007, pp.55-63.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The article explores perceptions of religious discrimination in social work education programs in the United States. Perceptions were solicited from graduate student members of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW). The findings are discussed.
Conducting spiritual assessments with Native Americans: enhancing cultural competency in social work practice courses
- Authors:
- HODGE David R., LIMB Gordon E.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Education, 46(2), Summer 2010, pp.265-284.
- Publisher:
- Council on Social Work Education
Developing competency in diversity and assessment are key priorities in social work education. With Native American clients a spiritual assessment is typically required because spirituality is often instrumental to health and wellness in Native cultures. However, there is a lack of educational content on addressing Native American spirituality. This qualitative study aimed to gain insight on how future social workers might conduct spiritual assessments with Native clients in an effective, culturally competent manner. Fifty individuals with specialised knowledge of Native American culture completed a survey instrument. The average respondent was aged about 50 years, female, and had a social work degree. The study formed part of a larger project designed to validate six qualitative spiritual assessment tools or instruments for use with Native Americans. Spiritual assessment was perceived to play a critical role in therapeutic success with Native clients. Respondents also suggested a number of issues that future practitioners might consider prior to conducting spiritual assessments, the primary theme being the importance of developing familiarity with common tribal beliefs and practices. Several themes emerged that were related to the process of training students to conduct assessments. Among these were the intertwined themes of client trust, the historical oppression of Native American spirituality, and the personal nature of Native spirituality. The importance of trust was accentuated. Several strategies were offered to help practitioners. Areas of potential value conflicts were also highlighted.