Social workers are invaluable people in our society. Since the 19th century, social workers have been responsible for the welfare of the communities they serve. They are employed in many fields and in many instances, they come across dire situations that require them to remove someone from a harmful environment in order to protect them. Social workers run the gamut of specialties that include assisting children, battered women, people with disabilities and elders.
Social workers are given the job of advocating for groups and individuals who may not necessarily be able to advocate for themselves. Everyday, social workers provide services and resources to individuals who otherwise would not be able to help themselves or may not know where to being to ask for help. Social workers get to be that bridge between not knowing how to ask for help and getting the help they need.
Treatment of interracial couples
One area that needs the attention of social workers, is the treatment of interracial couples. Today one-in-six newlyweds are married to someone of a different race or ethnicity (Livingston, et al. 2017). And although attitudes have been slowly shifting over the last few decades in regard to the acceptance of interracial couples, there is still much room for improvement.
Interracial couples still face discrimination and oppression based on their race and choice to marry outside their race almost daily. This happens from friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers on the street. That’s where social workers can step in to help bridge the gap and advocate for the acceptance of interracial relationships. In a 2007 study led by George Yancey of the University of North Texas, 21 white partners in interracial relationships were interviewed and the research showed that white people who marry outside their race are likely to change their thoughts on how race plays a role in society. Additionally, white people who specifically marry Black partners are even more likely to think beyond theoretical ideas as a result of exposure to racism from being with their partner.
How can social works advocate for change for this group of individuals?
- To support community self-determination. As social workers, we can work to liberate the clients and communities we serve from the very structure that may be holding them back.
- Commit to organizational change. Leaders of all major social work organizations can come together to report on their efforts to advance anti-racism within social work practice, education, regulation, and research.
- Help legislators enact just laws. Help advocate for antiracist policies and meaningful social change across the country.
- Challenge our own racism. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) The majority (60 percent) of U.S. social workers are white; thus, issues of white privilege and the empathy gap between white social workers and clients of color must be addressed. Ongoing self-reflection, conversations with colleagues, education, professional training and advocacy are the best ways to ensure we all live the anti-racist principles required of our profession (2020).
By: Tiffany Martin, EKU social work student
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Reference
Livingston, G. et al. ( May 18, 2017). Intermarriage in the U.S. 50 Years After Loving v. Virginia. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/05/18/intermarriage-in-the-u-s-50-years-after-loving-v-virginia/
National Association of Social Workers (August 21, 2020). Social Workers Must Help Dismantle Systems of Oppression and Fight Racism Within Social Work Profession. https://www.socialworkers.org/News/News-Releases/ID/2219/Social-Workers-Must-Help-Dismantle-Systems-of-Oppression-and-Fight-Racism-Within-Social-Work-Profession
Yancey, G. (March 2007). Experiencing Racism: Differences in the Experiences of Whites Married to Blacks and Non-Black Racial Minorities. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289048614_Experiencing_Racism_Differences_in_the_Experiences_of_Whites_Married_to_Blacks_and_Non-Black_Racial_Minorities