Social Action among Social Work Practitioners: Examining the Micro–Macro Divide

Abstract

Social work is a profession that seeks to enhance the well-being of all people and promote social justice and social change through a range of activities, such as direct practice, community organizing, social and political action, and policy development. However, the current literature suggests that the profession's focus on social justice and social action are weakening, replaced by individualism and therapeutic interventions. This article examines data derived from a survey of 188 National Association of Social Workers members from Maryland; Virginia; and Washington, DC, to explore levels of social action participation among social workers and determine whether identifying as a macro-level practitioner would predict higher levels of social action activity compared with being a micro-level practitioner. Findings indicate that social workers in this sample engage in only a moderate level of social action behavior. In addition, identifying oneself as a mezzo- or macro-level practitioner predicts increased frequency of social action behavior. Implications include emphasizing the importance of social action in schools of social work and practice settings and adequately preparing social work professionals to engage in social action.

Increasing Social Work Students’ Participation in Macro Specializations

“…In this study, the proportion of graduates who concentrated in macro practice methods (19%) was comparable to a recent workforce survey that found that 18.5% of social workers were doing community organizing, advocacy, or indirect practice (GWU, 2019). Both of these proportions were slightly higher than those reported in previous studies (Hill et al, 2017;Mattocks, 2018). The 19% approaches the goal established by the Special Commission of ACOSA to increase the enrollment of MSW students in macro specializations to 20% by the year 2020 (ACOSA, 2020).…”

“…The proportion of social workers practicing psychotherapy, primarily with middle-class, professional, White clientele, has significantly increased over the last three decades (Holden & Barker, 2018). While many working in the profession are helping individuals and families deal with the impact of serious social problems such as substance misuse, homelessness, and child abuse, there is long-standing criticism that far fewer in the profession are addressing the underlying policies and conditions which are root causes of these issues (Abell & McDonell, 1990;Kayser et al, 1997;Mattocks, 2018).…”

Clinical Social Workers, Gender, and Perceptions of Political Participation

“…Research shows that macro practitioners engage in higher levels of political participation than their micro counterparts (Ezell, 1993;Reeser & Epstein, 1990;Wolk, 1981). In a recent study by Mattocks (2018), social workers who self-identified as mezzo or macro level practitioners reported higher levels of political participation in the form of social action. Although clinical social workers can wear many hats and hold many roles, their primary work is as therapist or counselor (Harris & White, 2013).…”

Political Engagement, Skill Application and Creativity in Social Advocacy

“…The importance and necessity of political engagement in social advocacy are important because social workers must never be blind to how influential politics are as it permeates peoples' lives. Unfortunately, the current literature suggests that the profession's focus on social justice and social action is weakening and being replaced by individualism and therapeutic interventions (Mattocks, 2018).…”