The Cost of Being Black in Social Work Practicum

Abstract

The social work profession is not exempt from fueling institutional racism, which affects the provision of social work practicum education for Black social work students. This article highlights how the historical and current social cost of being Black in the United States presents itself within social work education’s signature pedagogy. Social workers who hold bachelor’s degrees in social work (BSW) are more likely to be Black than those holding master’s degrees in social work (MSW; Salsberg et al., 2017). It takes Black students longer to earn an MSW degree though they are more likely to hold a BSW while also having work experience related to the social work profession; this is indicative of a flawed system. The implications of this are explored by highlighting social work’s historical context and the role privilege holds within a profession charged with working towards social justice. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is utilized to unearth how the current state of social work practicum upholds a culture of white supremacy through covertly racist requirements and practices. Case examples are utilized to demonstrate the challenges Black students face as social work practicum mimics oppressive practices and perpetuates disparities in the social work landscape. Additionally, this article explores oppression’s role in treating vulnerable social work students and how that treatment is reflected in the workforce, ultimately informing service delivery.

A New World Cannot be Built Alone: An Abolitionist Framework for Collective Action in Social Work

“…In addition, social work students of color have reported both witnessing and experiencing racialized microaggressions in their practicum placements, with little support from their universities (Gooding & Mehrotra, 2021). This lack of support reflects the inherent racism of much of social work education and amplifies the cost of social work education for racially minoritized students (Johnson et al, 2021). Within the context of this lack of support, these student interns are forced to choose between acting on what they feel is right for their clients and communities versus what legal policy is telling them is right.…”

#SocialWorkSoWhite

“…Field instructors play a significant role in facilitating harm against practicum students of color. Field instructors can choose to avoid or hesitate discussions of diversity and identity and often take a color-evasive approach to field education by denying racial differences (Gooding & Mehrotra, 2021;Johnson et al, 2021;Razack, 2001). This approach can gaslight practicum students of color and further exacerbate systemic issues they may already be contending with.…”

“…Further, practicum sites can be potential triggers for internalized oppression among students of color (Razack, 2001), as students describe experiences of code-switching to survive and display professionalism. Social work students of color are forced to remain vigilant, even in field placement, to successfully navigate their environments (Gooding & Mehrotra, 2021;Johnson et al, 2021;Razack, 2001).…”

Editorial: Does Racial Bias Exist in the ASWB Social Work Exams?

“…If one walked through the social work section in a library and a book fell off the shelf and hit your head, the book would be likely to include acknowledgement that institutional racism exists in social work. In less than 15 minutes, I immediately found the following references which acknowledged or analyzed institutional racism in social work: Duhaney & El-Lahib (2021);Edmonds-Cady & Wingfield (2017); Gibbs (1971); Goggin, Werkmeister Rozas & Garran (2016); Grosser (1969); Hipple, Reid, Williams, Gomez, Peyton, & Wolcott (2021); Holley van Vleet (2006); Howitt & Owusu-Bempah (1990); Johnson, Archibald, Estreet & Morgan (2021);McMahon & Allen-Meares (1992); Mirelowitz (1979); O'Donohue (2016); Perez (2021); PTFS, (2007); Shannon (1970); Senreich & Dale (2021); Wright, Carr & Akkin (2021).…”