Race and Social Policy: Confronting Our Discomfort

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Political Science

Background:

• The election of the first Black U.S. president, Barack Obama, initially fostered hopes for a postracial society.
• These hopes were quickly diminished, with rising racial tensions becoming particularly evident during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
• The 2016 election exacerbated existing racial, ethnic, and class divisions within the country.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the ethical responsibility of social workers to address social justice issues.
• To emphasize the role of dialogue in fostering understanding and potential societal change.
• To introduce a discussion on navigating racial tensions and social divisions.

Main Methods:

• This study is an introductory dialogue.
• It frames the ethical imperative for social workers to engage with social justice issues.
• It posits dialogue as a catalyst for knowledge and change.

Main Results:

• The initial hope for a postracial society following Obama's election was not sustained.
• The 2016 presidential election significantly amplified societal divisions.
• Dialogue is presented as a crucial tool for social workers to address these complex issues.

Conclusions:

• Social workers are ethically bound to confront social justice concerns.
• While policy changes are important, dialogue is essential for fostering deeper societal transformation.
• This work initiates a critical conversation on race, class, and social divisions in the U.S.