George Will Questions Schools of Social Work
and with good reason. See his latest column here. He concludes:
In the month since the NAS released its study, none of the schools covered by it has contested its findings. Because there might as well be signs on the doors of many schools of social work proclaiming "conservatives need not apply," two questions arise: Why are such schools of indoctrination permitted in institutions of higher education? And why are people of all political persuasions taxed to finance this propaganda?I am convinced that the average and marginal social products of social workers are negative.
Category: Economics, Education, Gubmnt Posted on
Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 6:44am
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I'm more than halfway convinced the reason behind the rejection is my friend's status as a navy veteran. Leftist organizations don't seem to cotton to military sorts, even if they're disabled and fit myriad other lefty qualifications.
This may provide emotional -- if not also intellectual -- ammunition.
:-D
Alright, It is time for my Social Work Methods Course, so I must retreat.
Oh, and by the way, social work professionals do not recoup the financial burden that they experience during their schooling- we, at average, make 25,000 dollars yearly.
Code of Concern
Dear Washington Post Editors:
Conservative columnist George F. Will has taken public umbrage with the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics and its mandate that adherents advocate for social justice. In his review of a National Association of Scholars report, Mr. Will ignores the context in which professional education and training occurs—for all professions. This criticism misrepresents social work education and is a disservice to our members and the clients they serve.
Social workers are committed to solving social problems while helping people improve their quality of life; fairness is a defining characteristic of the profession. Like all citizens of a participatory democracy, it is critical for social work students to develop the skills necessary to advocate within available legal and political structures.
Social work students learn to use advocacy for the benefit of individuals, families and populations who are most vulnerable to the unresolved social problems of the day. Services for veterans, children, chronically ill persons, the elderly, and struggling families are improved by social work advocacy.
Members of NASW hold a diverse array of opinions on many social issues, including abortion and homosexuality as mentioned in Will’s column. However, professional social workers are united in their commitment to respecting the rights of clients to access services and expand options available to them. Social workers do not apologize for caring about people who are marginalized by society, nor do we apologize for holding members of our profession to high standards.
Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, MSW, MPH
Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers