Sustaining and Strengthening a Macro Identity: The Association of Macro Practice Social Work

Abstract

Social work practice spans all stages of life, takes place in a multitude of settings, and targets client systems at all levels-from individuals to groups We thank all of the members of Association of Macro Practice Social Work who have contributed time, energy, and expertise to the creation of this organization.

An Ethical Foundation for Social Good: Virtue Theory and Solidarity

“…Failure to explicitly discuss the role of an ethical perspective, and the contexts of history and power structures, in the conceptualization of social good becomes especially problematic when social good is presented as an element essential to macro social work practice. Macro social work practice consists of efforts to address problems, alleviate suffering, and enact social justice through work in broad systems including communities, organizations, and society at large (Hill, Ferguson, & Erickson, 2010; McBeath, 2016; Rothman, 2013). This work often takes the form of advocacy, community organizing, policy work, organizational leadership and administration, and community resource development (Hill et al, 2010; McBeath, 2016; Rothman, 2013) and is recognized as being “rooted in the profession’s historic mission to promote social justice through social change” (Mor Barak, 2018, p. 3).…”

Perceptions of Macro Social Work Education: An Exploratory Study of Educators and Practitioners

“…Debates about the place of macro practice in social work have been present in the literature and in the academy for decades (Ezell, Chernesky & Healy, 2004;Hill, Ferguson, & Erickson, 2010;Miller, Tice, & Hall, 2008;Pine & Healy, 1994). In 2012, ACOSA commissioned a study of their academic membership to better understand the state of macro practice in social work education programs.…”

“…Challenges to student expectations regarding selecting a macro concentration that are external to social work graduate programs include opportunities for professional identity development and identification of macro social workers as field instructors and mentors (Hill et al, 2010;Lightfoot, Nienow, Moua, Colburn, & Petri, 2016). When community practice social workers do not identify themselves professionally as social workers, the field loses role models and representation, both for other social workers and to other professions.…”

“…There is an ongoing need for macro social workers to develop a sense of professional identity and connection with the profession in order for this area of practice and education to thrive (Hill et al, 2010;Lightfoot et al, 2016). Some of our participants pointed out that many of the employment opportunities for macro social workers do not specifically require a social work degree or a social work license.…”

“…Faculty who teach macro social work can urge graduating students to continue to make their social work identity visible in workplaces and other settings to help broaden the perception of social workers as community organizers, policy analysts, program administrators, and other macro change agents. In addition, promoting macro social work associations (Hill et al, 2010), macro social work conferences and professional development opportunities specific to macro social work might assist macro practitioners see the value of social work-connected training and networking. Professional social work associations, like NASW, must be prepared to respond to this demand as they have a role in shaping the public perception of social work.…”