The meaning of a social work career choice among minority students: A symbolic interactionist inquiry.
Item
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Title
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The meaning of a social work career choice among minority students: A symbolic interactionist inquiry.
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Identifier
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AAI3169900
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identifier
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3169900
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Creator
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Daniel, Carolann.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Michael Fabricant
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Date
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2005
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies | Sociology, Public and Social Welfare
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Abstract
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As the number of culturally and linguistically diverse clients increases, the need to increase the visibility of minority social workers at all levels of the profession is more critical than ever. However, recruitment and retention of minority students is seriously undermined by a lack of knowledge of the reasons minorities choose social work as a career and the barriers they face both entering and completing graduate social work programs.;The study examined the background of minority students who choose social work as a career and the factors that influence them to do so. The study also documented the range of barriers that exist for minority students who want to become social workers and those enrolled in graduate social work programs. Sample selection was purposive and data was collected through in-depth interviews. Of the 41 students interviewed, 26 were undergraduates and 15 were enrolled in an MSW program.;The majority of the students came from poor or marginally poor backgrounds where the educational attainment of both parents was relatively limited. They were motivated to become social workers because of a desire to help others and to be role models in their community. One significant difference between these respondents and those previously studied is their desire to act as social change agents to ensure that their communities receive the services they need in a sensitive and professional manner. For the majority of participants the career decision-making process was highly influenced by significant others. However, the perceived fit between their values and the values of social work was a more important determinant than family influences in the career decision-making process.;Factors in the under-representation of minority students in graduate social work programs include personal considerations, economic hardship and institutional barriers such as lack of commitment to recruitment and outreach. The findings suggest that once enrolled there are yet more subtle factors that may limit minority students' ability to persist. These include interpersonal difficulties with faculty and peers, racial/cultural isolation, relevance/sensitivity of the curriculum and classroom practices. Participants suggested a number of strategies to increase retention of minority students in graduate social work programs. These include the development of a buddy system to ease the transition to graduate school and to facilitate academic and social supports, a critical mass of minority faculty and students, a culturally relevant curriculum, and increasing financial assistance.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
