The Cost of Being Black in Social Work Practicum

Overview: This session will focus on how the historical and current social cost of being Black in the United States is present within social work education’s signature pedagogy. Participants will utilize Critical Race Theory as a lens to critique common field education practices that oppress vulnerable social work students.Proposal text: Social work students experience high levels of stress during their social work practicum. Anxiety regarding competency and its future impact on career trajectories is common in social work practicum (Hemy et al., 2016; Razack, 2001). Balancing course requirements with competing responsibilities and the financial cost of education often serves as barriers to degree completion (Masocha, 2015). When compounded by systemic racism, these challenges are amplified for Black social work students. The George Washington University Health Workforce Institute (2019) reported that Black social workers were more likely to hold BSW degrees than whites yet, earned MSW degrees at a lower rate. Additionally, Blacks were more likely to be enrolled part-time and took longer to complete MSW programs. The fact that it took Black students longer to earn an MSW degree though they were more likely to hold a BSW while also having work experience related to the social work profession, is indicative of a flawed system. The social work profession is not exempt from the insidiousness of racism as a means to support capitalism. However, if in adherence with its tenets, the profession is charged with combating oppression in the pursuit of social justice.

This session will focus on the disconnect between the profession’s intent and practices while exploring the impact and cyclical process of racially-based inequity within social work education’s signature pedagogy. Using Critical Race Theory, the presenters will discuss how the historical and current social cost of being Black in the United States presents itself within social work practicum. Case examples will be used to illustrate the challenges Black students face due to oppressive practices. Attendees will participate in discussion that includes self-reflection and critique of practicum processes through a Critical Race lens.