Journal of Social Work Education and Practice
Journal of Social Work Education and Practice or JSWEP (ISSN: 2456-2068) is an international peer-reviewed open-access social work journal published by Social Workers in India Forum. It is an effort to publish research articles from the social work fraternity around the world. The high-quality research articles published by the journal will be available to social work professionals free of charge. It will help social work professionals to acquire advanced knowledge in the various fields of social work. Aim of the Journal JSWEP aims to publish quality research articles from the social work fraternity around the world. The journal is mainly focusing on publishing research articles in the area of social work education and social work practice. Scope of the Journal The high-quality research articles published by the journal will be available to social work professionals free of charge. By creating such a platform, we believe that social workers will be able to acquire advanced knowledge in the various fields of social work, enabling them to provide better evidence-based service. We also hope that JSWEP will surely contribute to improving the standards of social work education around the world. JSWEP is looking for original articles with a strong conceptual or empirical base that can significantly contribute to the social work knowledge base. In addition to that, articles must focus on the core areas of the journal as suggested below: 1. Education and training in social work. 2. Social work practice. 3. The relationship between social work education and readiness for practice. 4. Evidence-informed social work practice.
EMOTION REGULATION, ACADEMIC STRESS, AND FINANCIAL STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF BURNOUT AMONG SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS AT DAVAO DEL NORTE STATE COLLEGE
This study focuses on the predictors of burnout among social work students of Davao del Norte State College. It aims to determine whether emotion regulation, academic stress, and financial stress predict burnout. It employed a descriptive-predictive quantitative research design and utilized a survey questionnaire to gather data from respondents, specifically 287 second to fourth-year social work students enrolled on the 2nd semester of the academic year 2023-2024 at Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the responses from the respondents. The results revealed that emotion regulation, academic stress, and financial stress are all substantial predictors of burnout F (3, 283) = 33.657, p <. 001. This indicates that if these predictors intensify and are not managed properly, there is a high possibility of burnout escalating that could also lead to problems in the general health of the students as well as their academic performance. The study highlights the need for institutional support, particularly from the school Guidance Office and Social Work faculty, to develop interventions that help students manage their emotions, academic stress, and financial challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jerome C. Llevado, Rizalyn Febb L. Sarte, Zorich Shane D. Relatado, Mariamae M. Grengia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lessons learned: Exploring faculty and field instructor perceptions of student writing abilities and needs
Writing is recognized as an important skill for professional social workers across the diversity of practice areas. An integral part of the communication about writing expectations is clarifying and defining the purpose and goals of the writing assignments in the course. This paper discusses the findings associated with perceptions and expectations of teaching faculty and professional social workers who served as field instructors in the program. To accomplish this, we conducted a survey of all faculty, both part-time and full-time, and all field instructors serving in the program. Results from our surveys showed perceptions of student writing deficits among faculty and field instructors. During the project, key needs emerged, including ongoing faculty development; strategies for incorporating part-time faculty in efforts to support student writing; clearer articulation of the difference between academic and professional writing and the purpose of teaching academic writing in professional training; more communication among faculty, students, and practitioners about the writing skills needed for impactful social work practice. Implications and future directions for the department are discussed.
social work education, students, writing, professionalization
Copyright (c) 2025 Marcus Crawford, Travis Cronin, Dheeshana Jayasundara, Randy Nedegaard https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Imagery Techniques for Anxiety in Social Work Counseling with a Filipino Service User
Anxiety is an inherent emotional response to perceived threats, but when intense and excessive, it can become maladaptive and impair daily functioning. Despite its prevalence in the Philippines, research on social work-specific interventions for anxiety remains wanting. Thus, this paper employs a case study approach to illustrate the use of imagery in social work counseling with a Filipino service user experiencing anxiety. The intervention involved three different imagery techniques aimed at constructing mental images that are useful in altering emotional states. Results indicate a reduction in self-reported distress and an increase in confidence and coping, highlighting the potential use of imagery as a cost-effective intervention in social work counseling. However, several limitations are acknowledged from the case. The paper concludes that imagery techniques can complement social work counseling to help manage anxiety and suggests steps for future research and practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alain Matteo F. Meneses https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Workers in Hospice and Palliative Care in Indian Contect: Voices from the field
Palliative care (PC) is emerging as an important area of practice in healthcare, where social workers’ involvement is vital in supporting patients and families through the many challenges and difficulties inherent in living with a life limiting illness, as well as in identifying opportunities to assist them with the difficult process of end-of-life planning. Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore the need for social work, roles played and the varied nature of palliative care social work in Indian context. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research design. Eight participants who are expert practitioners with specific experience in palliative care were recruited purposively following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants completed an online informed consent form. Data were collected through scheduled interviews via online platform and an online form that contained open-ended questions for the participants to fill in. A semi-structured interview schedule was prepared by the research team to guide the data collection. Data were simultaneously analyzed manually using thematic analysis guidelines. The interviews were transcribed, reviewed, and coded for common themes and sub-themes. Results: Experts working extensively in hospice and palliative care settings have described the need and roles of social workers. The findings have been classified into three broad themes and sub-themes. The broad themes are categorized into the following: the need for social workers in PC, roles played by social workers, qualifications and requirements. Conclusion: Social workers are an integral part of the palliative care team. It is crucial to distinctly define and outline the social workers’ role as it will help to advance the social work practice and competency building in the delivery of palliative care in India.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pallavi Mech, Dr Vasundharaa S Nair, Dr Priya Treesa Thomas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Employment of Social Workers in the Public Sector: Current Situation, Challenges and Future Prospects
In Turkey, social workers have been working mainly in public sector. However, in the last years, there has been a significant decrease in their employment rates. However, in the last years, there has been a significant decrease in their employment rates. Factors that emerged during the period of uncontrolled growth in social work education such as mushrooming, lacking the standards, explosion in the number of graduates, and decline in the quality of education have been effective in the decline in employment. Apart from these, low levels of professionalization, recognition of other professions, lack of initiative and self-confidence, lack of recognition, and ongoing neoliberalist policies have also played a role in the contraction of employment in the public sector. In order to address the employment issue, there is a need for new and regulatory mechanisms to be put in place in the social work profession and education, which will be built with a common sense that is critically filtered. Social workers should boldly appear in areas that have not yet been officially defined such as school social work, industrial social work, international social work, and take active roles in advocacy, public opinion formation and lobbying activities to address the issue.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Kamil Alptekin, Selami Topuz, Murat Öz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Scientometric analysis of research on Single Mothers' Mental Health
This study analyses research trends on the mental health of single mothers, a topic of significant importance due to its impact on parenting and the well-being of mothers and future generations. Single mothers face numerous vulnerabilities, which has encouraged extensive research on their socio-economic issues and to a certain extent their mental health worldwide. This bibliometric analysis examines the trends in research on the ‘mental health of single mothers’ as published in the Scopus database. Using a comprehensive search string, the data was analyzed with R Studio, VOSviewer, and Scientopy. The analysis reveals an increasing volume of published work on this topic, particularly from economically advanced countries. The thematic analysis identifies common themes emphasized by authors, including depression, poverty, anxiety, support systems, and parenting. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for future researchers, practitioners, and academics by highlighting key themes, sources, and contributing authors for further investigation and practical application.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Rajeev SP, Renitta Manuel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
“Everyone in my immediate family…”: Students’ Experiences with Suicide
Background: Suicide is a prevalent issue that is faced across the life span and has been found to be the third leading cause of death in those aged 10 to 34 years old. As social workers working with clients who have faced suicidal ideation or experienced it in their life. As it stands there is a lack of social work education on suicide in curriculum in BSW and MSW programs. Methods: The purpose of this qualitative study was to share and explore the familial experiences of students regarding suicide. This study followed a content analysis approach to analyze the 38 reflective papers that came from an elective course in a MSW program. Results: Our analysis resulted in three new themes, 1. Stories of our Loves Ones, 2. Not Believing in Mental Health Struggles, and 3. How Can We Make it Through This? Conclusions: These results pointed towards social work educators needing to understand students’ experiences on suicide and how it relates to them seeking out taking these courses. Future BSW and MSW curriculum should be intentional in weaving suicide content in courses to better prepare future clinicians for the field.
Copyright (c) 2025 Toni A. Gallegos, Dr. Regina T. Praetorius, Zoya Chaturvedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Work Intervention Model for Improving Health-Seeking Behaviour of Interstate Migrant Workers in Kerala
Background: Interstate migrant workers in Kerala face numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes. This study explores the health-seeking behaviour (HSB) of migrant workers and proposes a comprehensive social work intervention model to improve their healthcare access and outcomes. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilised for this contextual analysis, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. The quantitative component involved 353 migrant workers, while the qualitative component included interviews with 12 migrant workers (6 male and 6 female) in Kochi. Data were analysed to identify the factors shaping the HSB of migrant workers. Results: Findings revealed that common health problems included skin issues (97.5%), body pain (36.5%), and low appetite (40.2%). Migrants primarily accessed medical/drug stores (56.1%) and private hospitals (16.7%) for healthcare. Key barriers to healthcare included unaffordable costs (34%), unavailability of nearby facilities (29.2%), long waiting hours (53.8%), lack of free medicines (49.2%), and language barriers (64.8%). The qualitative analysis highlighted significant themes such as cognition and awareness, cost factors, and social factors influencing HSB. Conclusions: The study identifies critical barriers and facilitators of HSB among interstate migrant workers in Kerala. A proposed intervention model includes health education programs, deployment of community health workers, mobile health clinics, employer engagement, training for healthcare providers, strengthening social support networks, and policy advocacy. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance HSB and improve health outcomes for migrant workers. Future research and stakeholder collaboration are essential for effective implementation.
Copyright (c) 2024 Joyshree Mondal, Lizy P.J, Jasmine Mathew https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Structural Equation Model on Stress Coping Among Social Workers
Coping with stress is crucial for social workers, given the demanding nature of their profession. This study examines the impact of emotional intelligence, interpersonal dynamics, and public service motivation on the ability of social workers in Davao Region, Philippines to manage stress. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling, the research identifies the best-fit model for stress coping strategies among social workers. Data were collected from 300 participants through random sampling, with the analysis revealing high levels of emotional intelligence, particularly in attention to feelings, and significant public service motivation, especially in commitment to public interest. The study finds that while emotional intelligence and public service motivation positively influence stress coping, interpersonal treatment in the workplace has a negative impact. The best-fit model underscores the importance of integrating emotional intelligence and fostering supportive interpersonal relationships to enhance stress management among social workers. These findings suggest that organizational strategies should focus on emotional intelligence development and positive workplace interactions to improve social workers' resilience against stress. Furthermore, these findings can inform policy-making and organizational strategies to create a more supportive work environment, ultimately enhancing the well-being and efficiency of social workers in their roles.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rhea Amor Lara, Arian Rey Ladroma, Dionalie Jay Recapente, Elline Castilla, Joanaros Fahit, Ronel Dagohoy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Learning by doing in virtual environments: An experience in social work with groups
This article presents a teaching experience linked to the course Methodology of Social Work Intervention with Groups (MTSG), taught at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). The purpose of this article is to present the results of the systematisation of a practical experience linked to a virtual teaching-learning process in the field of social work with groups in the context of the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article first outlines the framework of action of the teaching-learning experience and its pedagogical principles. Subsequently, the process of transition from a face-to-face model to an online model is discussed. Finally, key factors essential for the successful implementation of this experience are highlighted.
Copyright (c) 2024 Juan Brea-Iglesias, David Alonso González, Linda Vanina Ducca Cisneros, Andrés Arias Astray https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gross Enrollment Rate for Social Work Education and Career Prospective in India
The study aims to analyse the students' gross enrollment rate in social work education and the career prospects in India. The purpose of the study was to compare enrollment in social work education institutions (SWEIs) in India, analyse the status of social work education in India, and draw recommendations for social work education in India based on AISHE 2015-16 to 2020-21 reports. A multi-stage methodology was adopted to map Social Work Education Institutions (SWEIs) in India and time series data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) from 2015 to 2020 reports were analysed to find out the trend for Social Work Education in India.The study found that to make India an Atmanirbar (self-reliant), the role of Social Work professionals is vital and envisaged how the National Education Policy 2020(NEP-2020) has created ample opportunity for School Social Workers and also drew recommendations to transform Social Work education with indigenous knowledge to robust Social Work praxis at field level. The findings provide evidence of the trend of social work education in India. The NEP 2020 has brought momentum for social work professional education by introducing school social worker posts; however, there are many issues with regard to a common curriculum with indigenous fieldwork practice across India. Furthermore, NGOs and industrial collaborations in curriculum development must be strengthened.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bastikoppa Satyanarayan Sachin, Ramesh . Bhadragiraiah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beyond the Textbook: A Critical Analysis of Recent Innovations in Teaching Social Work
Background: Social work education has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with educators embracing innovative teaching methods to enhance student learning and better prepare future practitioners for the complex challenges of the profession. This thematic research review aims to critically analyse and synthesise the recent innovations in teaching social work, exploring their theoretical underpinnings, pedagogical approaches, and potential implications for social work education. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including ERIC, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX, to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles published in the last two decades. The selected studies were analysed using a thematic synthesis approach, allowing for the identification and interpretation of key themes and patterns. Result: The review identified four major themes: (1) the integration of technology and digital tools in the classroom; (2) the adoption of experiential and immersive learning strategies; (3) the emphasis on culturally responsive and anti-oppressive pedagogies; and (4) the incorporation of interdisciplinary and community-based learning experiences. The findings highlight the diverse range of innovations being implemented in social work education, reflecting a shift towards more student-centred, interactive, and collaborative learning environments. These innovations aim to cultivate critical thinking, cultural competence, and practical skills among social work students, better preparing them for the complexities of real-world practice. Conclusion: Moving beyond traditional textbook learning offers exciting opportunities to prepare future social workers for the complexities of the field. By critically analysing innovative teaching practices and addressing potential challenges, social work educators can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to become effective changemakers.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bosco Ekka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Social Work Students’ Experience with Supervision
The study intends to describe and explore the quality of the implementation of supervision training at the Faculty of Social Studies, University of Ostrava. Among other things, the study provides a brief insight into the concept of courses focused on supervision in social work at selected public universities and colleges in Czechia. Data are processed through evaluation research. The data were collected using four selected techniques: a focus group, an anonymous online questionnaire from class evaluations, an anonymous online questionnaire from full semester course evaluations, and students’ reflective journals. Data were collected continuously over the academic years 2020 to 2023. The total number of communication partners was n=80. The research was viewed through a qualitative research survey lens. The study findings confirm the specifics of educational supervision, where dilemmas arise between voluntary participation in a supervision class and the student’s mandatory completion of the course and between the teacher and supervisor roles. The actual type and form of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, part-time, full-time) influences the supervision process. Students’ reflection skills and working with them are essential here. Still, they are influenced by the educational context (compulsory participation in a supervision class, little choice of groups and supervisor) and related ethical aspects. The social work educator must deal with these difficulties by, for example, involving learners in the evaluation and development of teaching, using various forms of supervision, and approaching teaching quality as a priority.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karla Pobucká, Věra Malík Holasová, Veronika Mia Racko, Lenka Honsárková https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychological Well-being Among Adolescents: Exploring the Interplay Between Thriving and Resilience Towards Stress Adaptation
Adolescence is a critical period of psychological welfare, as it occurs during their formative years and depends heavily on resilience and thriving, particularly in managing the stress of pubertal changes. Developing resilience in teenagers contributes to their progressive and prospective youth development by lowering stress levels. The purpose of this study is to examine how adolescents adjust to stress in terms of levels of thriving and resilience. The researchers collected data using the Stress Adaptation Scale (SAS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Brief Thriving Scale (BTS), and a questionnaire based on sociodemographic traits. A sample of 100 school students aged between 13 and 15 years were selected randomly for this descriptive study design. The results show that 50% of adolescents show a medium level of stress adaptation, 70% have a medium level of resilience, and 68% have a low thriving level. The study also reveals a significant relationship between stress adaptation, resilience, and thriving at 0.05. The positive associations between thriving and resilience in adolescents highlight the interconnectedness of psychological well-being, positive emotions and adaptive coping strategies. Cultivating thriving characteristics in adolescents may contribute to their overall resilience and ability to navigate the complexities of adolescence in a positive and growth-oriented manner.
Copyright (c) 2024 Litta Merin Thomas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diaspora of Social Exclusion: Exploring Transgender Realities in the Context of Kerala
Inclusion, exclusion, discrimination and oppression of vulnerable communities and target groups have been in the discourses for decades. Social exclusion is a multi-dimensional concept that comprises Economic, Structural, and Societal Exclusion (G. Jehoel-Gijsbers & Vrooman, 2007). Most of the studies recognize that Transgender Communities are under social exclusion. Lack of family and community support in the name of gender identity maneuvered them into social marginalization and isolation (Ayyavoo, 2022). The amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of India enacted in 2019 address non-binary persons' constitutional rights, recognition of their gender identity, and non-discrimination laws across institutional spaces. However, the community faces exclusion that intersects with social and economic wellbeing domains. Sporadic efforts to mainstream have not yet converged to achieve a realistic goal. The inclusion of these minority groups and reduction in inequalities, envisaged in the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), proffers the importance of understanding and describing the phenomenon of social exclusion as perceived by them subjectively. The current study is a qualitative examination of the social exclusion phenomenon experienced by the transgender community in Kerala. The study explored Social Exclusion from three dimensions – resource insecurity, structural exclusion and lack of social integration. The study utilized a case study method to illustrate a picture of exclusion experienced by transgender people. The descriptions of the themes advocate for transformative paradigms in knowledge and practice.
Copyright (c) 2024 Elsa Mary Jacob, Adnold Alin Goveas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Invisibility to Visibility: Experiences of Women in Kerala's High-range Areas
This research article examines women's experiences residing in the high-range areas of the Idukki district in Kerala, focusing on their transition from invisibility to visibility. The study was conducted among women in these regions, identifying five key informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, revealing a progressive change in rural women's socio-economic, political, and familial spheres over the past decade. The findings indicate that these women have become more visible in various domains of society. Financial independence has significantly enhanced their self-worth, critical in contexts with skewed gender equality. Government initiatives, such as women-specific programs and social legislation, have positively impacted women's empowerment by providing financial security. This paper identifies the underlying factors contributing to the increased visibility of rural women in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres and the gradual development of their self-worth. Additionally, it discusses the role of social work in further empowering women's visibility.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jasmine George https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Work Educators as Transformational Leaders
While teacher leadership is novel in the context of social work education, it has been studied in educational literature for decades as an effective characteristic to improve both teachers’ competence and student learning outcomes. This paper suggests that social work education adopt teacher leadership in the classroom by viewing a classroom as a learning community in order to train social work students and those who pursue continuous education in community organizations, including nonprofit organizations such as grassroots agencies and social administration. Among leadership models, the transformational leadership style is recommended as an effective teacher-leader model. This paper demonstrates how the four components of transformational leadership can help social work teachers motivate, encourage, and improve student learning.
Copyright (c) 2024 Tae Kyung Park https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Work Education in Improving the Digital Professionalism of Social Work Students
With the Covid-19 pandemic, digitalization in social work education has increased. It has become important for students to be competent in using digital technologies to benefit clients and adapt to the new normal. This study is the first attempt to relate the contribution of undergraduate practical and theoretical courses to digital professionalism with the Covid-19 pandemic. Seventeen social work students at the undergraduate level from 12 different universities in Turkey participated in this exploratory research, and in-depth interviews were conducted with them. As a result, it was determined that the current theoretical and practical courses were insufficient to develop digital professionalism.
Copyright (c) 2023 Bilge Abukan, Hatice Öztürk, Erdinç Kalaycı, Filiz Yildirim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Work Students use of Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Strategy
Stress management programs are not available or required in many social work programs, and the need for programming is apparent considering NASW’s self-care mandate and COVID-19 pandemic-related student impacts. Using a convergent mixed methods design, the authors investigated the effects of an adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction course as a stress management strategy for social work students (n=15) during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if there are any effects on students’ levels of stress and mindful self-care behaviours. Three five-week courses consisting of synchronous meetings and asynchronous practice materials were conducted. The Perceived Stress Scale and Mindful Self-Care Scale were administered to students as pre-test and post-test, and a focus group was conducted at the conclusion of each course’s final week. Three themes emerged: commitment and routine, practice and techniques, and accountability and Wilcoxon signed ranks test results showed no significant effects of adapted mindfulness on students’ perceived stress ( z= -.882, p=.378). However, mindful relaxation (z = -3.04, p=.002), and students’ self-compassion and purpose (z = -2.62, p=.009), and mindful awareness (z = -1.93, p=.054) increased. Although stress levels were not significantly affected, students’ self-care improved, which aligns with the NASW code of ethics mandating professionalism through self-care.
Copyright (c) 2023 April Viverette, Alicia Hawley-Bernardez , Rosalind Evans https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Client perceptions of the use of a continuous feedback system in therapy
This paper explores the use of the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and the Session Rating Scale (SRS) in clinical practice through the perspective of the client. These assessment tools are designed to provide clinicians with direct feedback from clients about the client’s views on progress in therapy and their views on the quality of each session provided by the clinician. In this qualitative study, 13 clients were interviewed to explore their perceptions of the use of the ORS and SRS in their sessions. Results indicate generally highly favorable reactions to use of these assessment tools with some exceptions. There is a discussion of the implications of these findings for clinical practitioners who wish to use the ORS and SRS.
Copyright (c) 2023 Glenn Stone, Kristin Trainor, Judy Gray, Bill Frederick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Work Field Practicum in Government Initiated Projects
Voluntary Executives of Kudumbashree (VEK) is an innovative concurrent fieldwork program introduced in Kerala in 2004 to provide opportunities for social work students to work with the State Poverty Eradication Mission (Kudumbashree), where social work students get exposed to the prestigious governmental initiatives for poverty eradication. The program has provided students with the knowledge and skills to work with government systems to reduce poverty. Since social work student trainees work in the field with formal approval and backing from the government, they can quickly establish connections with community power structures and become actively involved in the work of grassroots-level women's organizations. By accomplishing the various tasks assigned by the Kudumbashree mission, the student trainees have acquired competence in social work's micro and macro methods. The findings highlight advances in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students who worked with Kudumbashree Mission.
voluntary executives of kudumbashree (VEK)
Copyright (c) 2023 Joseph M. K., Abshana Jamal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dimensions of Critical Social Work Practice in India
Critical social work opens a dialogue for social change by challenging the prevailing socio-economic conditions of the people and examining the underlying factors that contribute to the inequality and misery of people. Critical social work includes different theoretical and practice frameworks such as radical social work, anti-oppressive social work, and environmental social work. As a practice approach, critical social work applies to working with individuals, groups, and communities as well as in the clinical and developmental sectors. While all the approaches have their scope of practice in India, this article will focus on understanding and applying structural social work, feminist approaches to social work and Dalit social work in the Indian context. Considering the country's social context, it can be argued that Dalit social work falls within critical social work in India, where the writings and actions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar contribute to critical social work in India and other parts of the world. The article critically analyses power structures in the country and the manifestation of oppression in different forms and discusses how the practice of critical social work can aid in personal liberation and emancipation in an Indian context.
Copyright (c) 2023 Baiju Vareed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reflexivity Through Experiential Learning in Social Work Education : Implications for Signature Pedagogy
Experiential learning addresses learners across their socio-demographic identity; evidence demonstrates that it is inclusive. An effective approach to facilitating learners is by providing real experiences and opportunities for them to synthesize, reflect and learn. Drawing from David Kolb's model of experiential learning, he vehement the need for active experimentation to augment the learning process and achievement of learning outcomes in professional courses, especially in the case of Social Work. The paper captures the narratives of social work students' experiences engaged in field practicum. The study employs the Focused Group Discussion with thirty-two social work students to understand the flow of learning and self-reflection. The synthesis reveals key pedagogical changes that social work education could imbibe in the current scenario to align with the National Education Policy 2020 and balance emergent aspects of critical pedagogy.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychological Well-being Among Transgender Women in Nepal and Implication on Social Work
Using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, the article examines the life experiences of transgender women and their cumulative effects on their psychological well-being. The conceptual framework enabled discussion series with the twenty-five respondents, which consisted of seven different discussion topics. The result shows that the participants have both positive and negative aspects of well-being; in particular, it was found that the positive aspects of well-being were higher among them. These findings later discussed the possible implications on social work practice and education in Nepal.
A Framework for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation of Adolescent Victims of Domestic Violence
During the Covid-19 pandemic, domestic violence (DV) in India rose exponentially. Therefore, the poor urban households in Kerala with the highest vulnerability call for urgent investigations and remedial actions. In this context, this study explored the problems of adolescents living with DV in deprived families, their risk factors, and protective factors. Based on the information gathered and the suggestions of social work experts, it further developed a framework for a school-based psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), endorsing the role of school social workers. This study was conducted in a government-aided high school in the suburbs of Kochi. It gathered data from adolescent victims (n=12) of DV, their mothers (n=12), teachers (n=7), peers (n=30), and school counselor (n=1), subscribing to a generic qualitative inquiry. A theoretical thematic analysis was adopted for analyzing and drawing conclusions from the data. The study recommends the PSR framework developed in the light of social support theory for testing and refining.
Copyright (c) 2022 Bincy C. C., Lizy P. J., Jasmine Mathew https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Deconstructing Oppression in India: A Case for Anti-oppressive Social Work Practice
Oppression is largely understood as the systematic discrimination and exploitation of people based on their membership in a marginalized group. The oppressive dynamics are pervasive and function on various levels, from the interpersonal to the larger oppressive economic and political structures. India, like several other Asian countries, is afflicted with marginalization and social exclusion based on caste, religion, class and gender, fostering a system of widespread oppression. Social workers need to understand the dynamics of oppression to mitigate oppression at both micro and macro levels while simultaneously reevaluating and preventing their own complicity in perpetuating oppressive systems. Deriving from various radical social work approaches (anti-racist, feminist social work), the anti-oppressive framework offers a paradigm shift in professional social work. Anti-oppressive practice is emancipatory social work practice that aims to bring about structural and institutional changes and free people from vulnerabilities that current arrangements have imposed on them. The present paper explores the Anti-Oppressive approach to Social Work Practice within the Indian context. The paper argues that the Social Work profession must look beyond enhancing functioning and pursue the goal of social justice for all by confronting oppression.
Social Work Research Through Tribal/Adivasi People's lens: Observations from Academic Engagement
This paper attempts to engage with social work research through the tribal/adivasi people's lens. Based on the author’s engagement in teaching and doing research in relation to Tribal/Adivasi communities of India, the paper explores the possibility of building a frame of reference for research engagement suited to the context. It demonstrates how the scheduled/tribal areas represent one particular location of a context-based research. To this end, the author, through observations drawn from academic engagement, throws some light on contextualization of social research in relation to tribal/adivasi areas.
You Are the Father! Engaging Non-Custodial Black Fathers in Parenting Utilizing Critical Historical Policy Analysis and Ecological Systems Theory
The “Buck” or “Rapper” stereotype serves as a trope that depicts Black/African American fathers as a fearful, criminal, no good, drug slanging pimps---not as loving and engaged fathers. These historical images, narratives are further supported through policies and de facto practices that continue to create racist barriers for Black fathers to fully be involved in child rearing practices. Thus, this article will explore through a critical lens the historical policies and racist practices that continue to impact Black fathers utilizing an ecological systems theoretical framework. In addition, this article will propose a policy action plan whereby creating new policies that are just, equitable and antiracist.
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Social Work Education and Practice in Humanitarian Settings
The world is experiencing unprecedented levels of humanitarian crises due to the effects of climate shocks, intra-state and inter-state armed conflict. As of 2020, there were more than 70 million displaced persons globally with the global pandemic making the situation worse. It is expected that the current economic downturn will roll back the gains made in gender equity and poverty level improvements. With old conflicts remaining unresolved, and new ones springing up across the globe, a critical question arises of the role of social workers as agents of conflict resolution and peacemakers in addition to their traditional role of providing psychosocial support. This paper attempts to provide perspectives on the need for mental health social workers to actively and explicitly engage in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In doing so, the authors will discuss the case of the Wajir Women Peace and Development, a women led organization that shaped the role of local professionals in engaging and sustaining peace in Northern Kenya and beyond. The choice of this organization is based on the personal and work experience of the authors who hails from Wajir and worked as a health and teaching professionals in late 1990s to mid-2000s.
Fieldwork in the Times of COVID–19: A Case Study of IGNOU
The COVID–19 pandemic, subsequent lockdowns and protocols with social distancing policies impacted social work education, especially fieldwork globally. Students and fieldwork supervisors had to find alternate solutions for direct face–to–face fieldwork practise and supervision. Moving from face–to–face settings to virtual platforms overnight was not easy; it required supervisors to adapt to remote activities, change learning plans, shift to virtual supervision, formulate different parameters to evaluate the students; and the students to demonstrate satisfactory levels of practise. The article is a case study of the learners enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) open and distance learning (ODL) programme of the Indira Gandhi National Open University and explores the challenges faced by them vis–à–vis fieldwork practise in social work, the scope and opportunities of fieldwork during COVID–19, and the implementation of fieldwork activities digitally. This article is based on data collected through the use of Google Forms amongst the 253 students enrolled in the MSW programme to understand the fieldwork activities carried out by them and the challenges they faced during the pandemic. The results obtained depict the changes made, the new activities the learners engaged themselves in, and the difficulties they faced in executing the new fieldwork activities whilst under nation–wide lockdowns. Furthermore, changes introduced in the fieldwork practicum of the MSW programme have also been depicted in the article.
Copyright (c) 2022 Saumya, Tushar Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0