Macro Social Work Practice

Abstract

Macro social work practice includes those activities performed in organizational, community, and policy arenas. Macro practice has a diverse history that reveals conflicting ideologies and multiple theoretical perspectives. Programmatic, organizational, community, and policy dimensions of macro practice underscore the social work profession's emphasis on using a person-in-environment perspective. Thus, social workers, regardless of roles played, are expected to have sensitivity toward and engage in macro practice activities.

Promoting public health through community engagement: Embracing the journey

“…Key community stakeholders must be involved at all stages and levels of the engagement project (Netting et al, 2012). This is an area where professional arrogance can become a barrier in working with a community.…”

Social Services, Social Justice, and Social Innovations: Lessons for Addressing Income Inequality

“…If that is the case, then interventions focused on the individual must happen within the context of concerted efforts to produce massive structural changes at the neighborhood, regional, state, and federal levels. In the field of social work, this is considered part of "macro" practice (Netting et al 2012). In human and social services it means advocacy, legislative action, and systems change work.…”

“…These principles guide professional behavior for the social worker (Netting et al 2012), and arguably reflect the professional practice of delivering social services. The code offers six core values of social work, which include service, social justice, dignity, and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence (NASW 2008, Preamble).…”

Articulating the theory of bullying intervention programs: Views from social psychology, social work, and organizational science

“…Intentional interventions, for example, can alter a school's ecology such that norms and values shift to firmly oppose bullying. Furthermore, all school personnel (i.e., teachers, administrators, support staff, coaches, counselors, social workers, bus drivers, custodians, and lunchroom staff) must be involved in intervention efforts to achieve extensive and sustainable changes to the school climate and culture (Netting, Kettner, McMurtry, & Thomas, 2012;Ostroff, Kinicki, & Tamkins, 2003).…”