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

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Social Work Practice

Background:

• The social work profession emphasizes social justice and change.
• Current literature indicates a potential decline in social justice and action focus within social work.
• Individualism and therapeutic interventions may be supplanting traditional social action roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore social action participation levels among social workers.
• To determine if identifying as a macro-level practitioner predicts higher social action activity compared to micro-level practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Survey data collected from 188 members of the National Association of Social Workers.
• Participants were from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
• Statistical analysis to compare social action levels based on practice level (micro vs. mezzo/macro).

Main Results:

• Social workers in the sample demonstrated a moderate level of social action behavior.
• Identifying as a mezzo- or macro-level practitioner was a significant predictor of increased social action frequency.
• Micro-level practitioners reported lower levels of social action engagement.

Conclusions:

• Social work's commitment to social action may require reinforcement.
• Educational programs and practice settings should prioritize preparing social workers for social action.
• Macro-level practice orientation is associated with greater engagement in social action activities.