ERIC Number: EJ1402544
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0884-1233
EISSN: EISSN-1540-7349
Available Date: N/A
Graduate Student Experience Learning about Racism: "You're Going to Feel Uncomfortable… That's When You're Going to Learn"
Weller, Bridget Elizabeth; Wilson, Winifred Elizabeth; Jean-Baptiste, Kiana Elizabeth; Sullivan, Jaimie Elizabeth; Giroux, Dominique Marie
Journal of Teaching in Social Work, v43 n5 p536-553 2023
Although the social work profession has focused on becoming an anti-racist profession, social work students report being insufficiently prepared to challenge and dismantle racism. Current recommendations for educating social workers on racism use findings from White students and omit the voices of individuals who experience racism. However, this phenomenological qualitative study described graduate students from historically excluded racial and ethnic groups in research along with White students' experiences learning about the influence of historical and contemporary racism upon Black adolescents. Twelve Black, Latinx, multiracial, and White students participated in either individual interviews or a focus group. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Key themes included: feeling uncomfortable as an important aspect of learning about racism, the reason for feeling validated in the course differed for Black and White students; and Black students had concerns about participating in a course on racism. Further, as students discussed how learning influenced their behaviors and perceptions of racism, the following themes emerged: a deeper understanding of racism, enhanced understanding of historical and contemporary racial trauma, greater reflection on policies and procedures, a better understanding of barriers to care, and the importance of trust and genuineness when providing care. Implications for social work education then are presented.
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Student Experience, Racism, Psychological Patterns, Social Work, Professional Education, White Students
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A