Promoting Tolerance: The Imago Dei as an Imperative for Christian Social Workers
In: Journal of religion & spirituality in social work: social thought, Volume 27, Issue 3, p. 297-313
ISSN: 1542-6440
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In: Journal of religion & spirituality in social work: social thought, Volume 27, Issue 3, p. 297-313
ISSN: 1542-6440
In: Affilia: journal of women and social work, Volume 22, Issue 2, p. 163-174
ISSN: 1552-3020
The contemporary international slave trade has received little attention in the social work literature. In keeping with the profession's commitment to social justice and human rights, this article reviews perhaps the most prominent and fastest-growing component of the trade—the trafficking of young women and children for prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation. The role of criminal networks in the globalization of sexual trafficking is discussed, along with the recruitment strategies used by the networks. Suggestions are offered for advocating on behalf of women and children, and information is provided to assist social workers in the provision of services to victims of trafficking.
In: Journal of ethnic & cultural diversity in social work, Volume 15, Issue 3-4, p. 101-127
ISSN: 1531-3212
In: Journal of social service research, Volume 30, Issue 1, p. 19-40
ISSN: 1540-7314
In: Social work research, Volume 48, Issue 2, p. 89-102
ISSN: 1545-6838
Abstract
Engaging respectfully with individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, genderqueer, or gender-nonconforming (LGBTQ+) is an ethical imperative. To help social workers fulfill this obligation, this study explored the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people regarding their interactions with people outside the LGBTQ+ community, and what LGBTQ+ people desire for future interactions. Narrative interviews were conducted with 11 LGBTQ+ social work graduate students and alumni to explore (a) their self-reported experiences engaging in one-on-one and small group interactions with outgroup members throughout their lives and (b) the meaning they gleaned from their life experiences across various domains (e.g., work, family, education) that might improve future interactions. Analysis produced six storylines that can be summarized as (1) unbalanced depictions of difference, (2) avoiding interactions, (3) managing positive treatment of an identity, (4) restricting certain perspectives, (5) focusing on differences, and (6) the importance of seeing humanity. The findings suggest several strategies for interacting with LGBTQ+ people in a more culturally sensitive way including discussing the LGBTQ+ community in a nuanced manner (as opposed to monolithically) and considering the level of attention paid to individuals' sexual orientation and gender identity.
In: Research on social work practice, Volume 34, Issue 5, p. 487-490
ISSN: 1552-7581
In: Qualitative social work: research and practice, p. 147332502311751
ISSN: 1741-3117
The North American Muslim population is growing rapidly, but little research has been conducted to help social workers interact with members of this population in a culturally sensitive manner. To assist social workers engage with Muslims in an ethical and effective manner, this qualitative study sought to answer the following questions: how do Muslims experience interactions with non-Muslims and what have they learned from their encounters that might facilitate positive interactions? To answer these two questions, we used narrative inquiry with a sample of 10 Muslim social work students and recent alumni. The findings suggest that Muslims may be treated either positively or negatively by non-Muslims in interactions in various contexts, that they are frequently unable to voice their religious perspectives, and that their religious difference is often portrayed in single-sided or negative ways as well as prioritized against their wishes while ignoring other aspects of their social identities. As a result, many tend to avoid interactions with non-Muslims. The paper offers strategies to foster more respectful interactions with Muslims, such as attending to how much their religious difference is prioritized, and providing opportunities to share their perspectives.
In: Research on social work practice, Volume 33, Issue 3, p. 338-349
ISSN: 1552-7581
Purpose: This study identified the top 100 most impactful global contributors to social work journal scholarship. Methods: To conduct this descriptive study, we used a publicly available database of the world's leading scientists. After extracting all scholars in the social work category, we rank ordered them according to a composite measure of scholarly impact that controls for self-citations and author order. Results: All identified contributors to the profession's journals ranked highly relative to the larger global population of published scientists. Furthermore, 23 individuals were in the top 100,000 scientists globally. Scholars were based in seven different nations and most had solid social work credentials according to three measures: current affiliation in a social work program and Master of Social Work/doctoral degree status. Conclusions: The results reveal that social work is home to some of the world's leading scientists. Leveraging their skills and knowledge can help advance the profession's collective knowledge development and dissemination.
In: Social work: a journal of the National Association of Social Workers, Volume 67, Issue 2, p. 145-154
ISSN: 1545-6846
Abstract
Despite numerous high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of law enforcement, little attention has been paid to the issue of police reform in the social work literature. To address this gap, this article focuses on a topic that has been singled out as the most important area of potential reform: restructuring the disciplinary provisions embedded in the contracts negotiated between police unions and municipalities. These provisions frequently shield problematic officers from public accountability by hindering their identification, sanctioning, and dismissal. Given that collective bargaining agreements are typically negotiated behind closed doors, social workers can play an essential role by advocating for public negotiations between municipal and union leaders, so provisions that obstruct public accountability for unfit officers can be identified and eliminated. The article concludes by delineating three alternative models to the status quo—increased neighborhood policing, disbanding or defunding police departments, and police abolition zones—and notes that no model can be successful if those who abuse their power cannot be removed from their positions of public trust. The authors suggest that social workers collaborate with African American residents in a given community to ensure that their preferences regarding community justice are enacted in a manner that reflects their aspirations.
In: Families in society: the journal of contemporary human services, Volume 103, Issue 3, p. 358-369
ISSN: 1945-1350
American Jews represent a culturally distinct community that is increasingly victimized by hate crimes and other antisemitic acts. To determine the degree to which social work practitioners are equipped to work with, and advocate for, members of the American Jewish community, this study analyzed 10 years of content appearing in nine discourse-shaping periodicals. Manual and electronic searches were conducted, with two coders independently reviewing and analyzing the obtained literature in each search arm. The analysis yielded six articles that focused on Jews (four in an Israeli context). No articles featured the voice of American Jews, focused on culturally competent practice with American Jews, or addressed contemporary antisemitism. The results suggest that American Jews are largely invisible in social work discourse, which raises questions about the profession's ability to comply with its ethical standards.
In: Social work: a journal of the National Association of Social Workers, Volume 66, Issue 2, p. 128-138
ISSN: 1545-6846
Hate crimes against members of the Jewish community have increased dramatically over the past few years. According to federal data, the number of hate crimes directed at Jews now appears to exceed those directed at many, if not most, minority groups. Yet, despite the number of hate crimes aimed at Jews, little recent scholarship has considered the issue of anti-Semitism. To address this gap in the profession's literature, this article examines the issue of anti-Semitism in the United States. Toward that end, the Jewish population is described and data on anti-Semitism are reviewed along with factors that contribute to this prejudice. The article concludes by discussing strategies that social work educators, practitioners, and researchers might pursue to help create a more socially just society for the Jewish community in the United States and elsewhere. For instance, social workers might seek to address spiritual microaggressions aimed at members of the Jewish community. As part of this process, social workers might help create a culture that respects religious freedom, a fundamental human right, and advocate for equitable portrayals of Jewish people and perspectives in diverse media. Particular attention should be paid to Orthodox Jews, who are often targets of anti-Semitism.
In: Journal of sociology & social welfare, Volume 48, Issue 2
ISSN: 1949-7652
In: Research on social work practice, Volume 30, Issue 8, p. 895-906
ISSN: 1552-7581
Purpose: Including spirituality in the treatment of psychosis is controversial. To determine the effect of incorporating spirituality into treatment, we conducted a systematic review of spiritually informed interventions with persons with psychotic disorders (PPD). Methods: A search of 15 electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that used spiritually informed interventions with PPD. Results: Of 4,317 papers examined, seven studies met eligibility criteria. A narrative review revealed that the use of spiritually informed interventions was significantly associated with positive outcomes across all seven studies. Supplementary quantitative analysis indicated that the use of spiritually informed interventions was associated with significantly and clinically meaningful lower levels of psychosis symptoms (Hedges's g = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [0.46, 1.66], p = .001). Discussion: The results suggest that social workers and other mental health providers should consider incorporating client spirituality into treatment protocols when working with PPD.
In: Social work in health care: the journal of health care social work ; a quarterly journal adopted by the Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, Volume 54, Issue 2, p. 118-133
ISSN: 1541-034X
In: Journal of social service research, Volume 40, Issue 3, p. 367-380
ISSN: 1540-7314