Suchergebnisse

Understanding HIV risk in older adults
Laneshia Conner, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, discusses gaps in HIV and AIDS prevention and why greater awareness and support for HIV risk in older adults is needed. When AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) appeared in the 1980s, blood transfusions were the route of transmission and heavily impacted older adults (those aged 50 and above). Individuals deemed 'at-risk' were those who received transfusions before 1985. The social stigma surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS as a disease primarily affecting White, homosexual males or individuals living in Sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in a lack of awareness among people outside of these groups, making it difficult for them to connect with and internalise the reality that anyone can be affected by the virus.

Social work students are often anxious, apathetic, or resistant to learning research knowledge and skills. They may view research courses as irrelevant and disconnected from social work practice. Studies suggest that service-learning improves learning outcomes in social work research courses, but less is known about the processes through which these outcomes are achieved. This study explored the perceptions of 70 Masters-level social work students enrolled in an advanced research course that included a pro bono program evaluation of a shelter serving homeless men. Content analysis of students' narratives revealed three main themes. First, students perceived that they had changed their thinking about homelessness in positive ways. Second, students made connections between their research experience and the social work curriculum. Finally, an unanticipated theme of curriculum integration emerged. Critical reflection about a meaningful experience—an integral aspect of service-learning—supported students in developing metacognitive insight. This helped students to develop and apply social work research skills. The service-learning project supported students' mastery of other social work competencies and improved their integrated practice abilities. Because this approach is effective in helping students to embrace research and integrate it with social work practice, application and evaluation of service-learning are recommended for social work education.

Summary Reparations for African Americans in its most basic form amounts to a concerted effort to repair damages from hundreds of years of exploitation and mistreatment toward people of African ancestry. The legacy of chattel slavery manifests in ongoing racial injustices, including gross disparities in health and wealth. The injustices resultant from the system of chattel slavery and its sequela have not been formally addressed by the U.S. government. As a profession, social work is dedicated to the empowerment of marginalized communities and upholds a mandate to advocate for social justice. As such, this study examines social workers' attitudes toward reparations for African American descendants. Descriptive analyses and analyses of association were used to interpret survey data. Findings A convenience sample of 186 social work professionals and students participated in this exploratory study. Findings of the study suggest that a majority of social workers agree with reparations (73%) as a strategy to redress present-day disparities. Additionally, a majority of the participants agree that reparations can begin to repair racial inequality. Applications This groundbreaking study lays the foundation for future research about social workers' perceptions and support of reparations. Furthermore, results of this study should encourage social work organizations to infuse scientific research in formulating position statements and advocacy on the issue of reparations.

Much of the work coming out of Women's Studies spaces narrowly defines what it means to be a woman. Antagonizing White Feminism pushes back against this exclusive discourse by invoking intersectionality and centering the experiences of Trans Women, Femmes, Women of Color, Queer Women, and Gender Variant and Gender Non- Conforming people.