AbstractsSocial Work

Paradigm shift, from macro to micro: perspectives of emerging helping professionals

by Katherine Nicholas




Institution: California State University – Sacramento
Department: Social Work
Degree: MSW
Year: 2015
Keywords: Social justice; Macro social work; Accreditation standards
Record ID: 2060794
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10211.3/138878


Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the paradigm perspectives of emerging helping professionals. This quantitative, descriptive survey research study, using a non-probability purposive sampling, investigated the perspectives of 74 second year Master's of Social Work students at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). The results from the study found that the majority of students identified themselves as knowledgeable in macro social work, but they lacked confidence in macro practice. Chi square tests showed significance in the association between CSUS curriculum, and survey participants' limited education in and understanding of macro practice in the professional world. Implications for social work practice and curriculum accreditation policies are discussed.