Value differences between social workers and members of the working and middle classes

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Sociology
• Value Theory

Background:

• Value differences between social workers and clients impact service effectiveness.
• Previous research has not quantified value discrepancies between social workers and working/middle-class clients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the degree of value similarity between social workers and consumers.
• To test hypotheses derived from "new-class" theory regarding social worker values.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of value positions.
• Hypothesis testing based on "new-class" theory.

Main Results:

• Graduate social workers hold more left-leaning value positions than working- and middle-class clients.
• Bachelor's-level social workers' values fall between those of graduate social workers and clients.
• Both hypotheses were supported, indicating significant value divergence.

Conclusions:

• Divergent value frameworks between social workers and clients have implications for social work practice, advocacy, and education.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for effective service delivery and training.
• Further research may explore interventions to bridge value gaps.