Critical Race Theory: Opportunities for Application in Social Work Practice and Policy

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen M. Kolivoski ◽  
Addie Weaver ◽  
Monique Constance-Huggins
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Critical Race ◽  
Race Theory

Critical Race Theory and Macro Social Work Practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aswood Bousseau ◽  
Diane Martell
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Critical Race ◽  
Race Theory ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Macro Social Work

American racism has produced systems of oppression that continue to impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in the United States. Critical race theory (CRT) asserts that racism is a longstanding, pervasive, and permanent component of social structure. Perceptions of and concepts relating to race are used to manipulate societal conditions to add value to and benefit the dominant, white population. CRT can be used as a lens to (a) understand current social and economic conditions, (b) analyze policies including municipal, state, and federal laws, regulations, and court decisions, and (c) develop and implement policies and programs that increase racial justice. For social work administrators, CRT provides a framework for identifying and assessing implicit and explicit racism in internal and external organizational policies, structures, and practices. In community work, CRT places race and racism at the center of localized patterns of disempowerment and inequality.

Teaching While Black and Male and Preparing Students for Urban Social Work Practice Matters

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16
Author(s):  
Samuel R. Aymer
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Social Identities ◽  
Racial Oppression ◽  
Race And Racism ◽  
Race Theory ◽  
Racial Injustice

This article unpacks the pedagogical reflections of a Black male professor, bringing attention to issues associated with teaching while Black and preparing students for urban social work practice. The article asserts that contemporary forms of injustice cannot be understood without grasping critical historical analyses of race and racism in the United States. Ideas related to critical race theory, racial oppression, and social identities are explored. Finally, the article explicates the importance for students to become comfortable talking about racism and racial injustice in the context of working with clients.

Understanding Racial Differences in Diagnosing ODD Versus ADHD Using Critical Race Theory

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kess L. Ballentine
Keyword(s):  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Critical Race ◽  
Race Theory ◽  
Diagnostic Practice ◽  
Oppositional Defiant

Although both oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with poor long-term outcomes, ODD may lead to worse outcomes. While epidemiological literature suggests similar prevalence of ODD and ADHD across racial groups, a review of studies assessing “real-world” diagnostic practice suggests Black children may be over-diagnosed with ODD. Critical race theory (CRT) is applied to determine the etiology and sequelae of a racial effect in diagnostic practice to explain this disparity in findings. Social work practice implications include encouraging examination of professional diagnostic training and procedures for racial bias, active questioning of ODD diagnoses, research to build counter-narratives to that of the dangerous Black child, and advocacy for structural changes to disrupt racism.

Island Nation, US Territory and Contested Space: Territorial Status As a Social Determinant of Indigenous Health in Guam

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1069-1088
Author(s):  
Tressa P Diaz ◽  
Lana Sue I Ka‘opua ◽  
Susan Nakaoka
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fourth Generation ◽  
Critical Race ◽  
Race Theory ◽  
Contested Spaces ◽  
Territorial Status

Abstract The United Nations and International Federation of Social Work affirm the right of all people to determine their political status, preserve their environments and pursue endeavours for well-being. This article focuses on CHamoru, Guam’s Indigenous people, and examines distal social determinants of health (SDOH) in the contested spaces of US territorial status and non-self-determining Indigenous nationhood. Published multi-disciplinary literature identified ways in which territorial status functions as an SDOH unique to non-self-determining Pacific Island nations. Indicated is the use of structural approaches that address mechanisms of US power and control, including economic policies that ‘defacto’ promote coca-colonisation and non-communicable diseases risk. Critical race theory centres race, colonisation and subversive narratives. In line with fourth-generation SDOH action-oriented research, we posit a CHamoru critical race theory model that weaves Indigenous, social work and public health perspectives. Lack of community input is a limitation of the current research. To assure relevance, the model will be vetted through community discussions. Our discussion guide may be tailored for other Indigenous communities. Social workers may play a meaningful role in promoting health equity through participatory action-oriented, cultural–political social work that upholds Indigenous self-determination and survivance in contested spaces.

scholarly journals Incorporating spirituality and religiosity In social work practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miryang Choi
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Religious Dimensions ◽  
Social Work Practitioners

This study aims to critically examine the current social work practice which is based on dominant western epistemology and positivism, and which often excludes spiritual and religious aspects of clients. Drawing on Critical Race Theory and a holistic approach from the Indigenous perspective for the theoretical framework, this study challenges the dominant research method of random sampling for research. This study adopts a phenomenological approach which seeks a deep understanding of how three social work practitioners with racially and culturally diverse backgrounds view spiritual and religious dimensions in social work practice, and how they integrate these aspects into their practice. With semi-structured interviews, the findings of the study indicate the essence of the experience of social work practitioners who incorporate spirituality and religiosity in their practice. The findings indicate the need for thoughtful discussions on how to incorporate spirituality and religiosity in social work practice without allowing exclusion and harm through religion.

Critical Race Theory

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Thandi Sulé
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Critical Race ◽  
Color Line ◽  
Race Theory ◽  
White People ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Legal Remedies

Critical race theory (CRT) is a framework that unapologetically asserts how and why race matters in the maintenance of U.S. policies and practices. In doing so, CRT counters discourse that situates discrimination and disparities within the realm of individual behaviors or psychological deficits. Therefore, racism is seen for what it is—a willful, institutionalized, and dehumanizing way of being. Though racism prevailed as the quintessential problem of the 20th century, the 21st century has revealed that the color line remains remarkably undisturbed. Whether one is focusing on housing, education, employment, wealth, health, safety, or justice, racial disparities and inequities exist to the disadvantage of racially minoritized people. Born out of discontent for legal remedies for inequality, CRT speaks to the universal way that racism immobilizes minoritized people—thereby providing an almost unwavering advantage to white people. This review provides an overview of the tenets of CRT and how those tenets connect with social work values and practice.

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