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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1:

Craig, R.W. (2007). A Day in the Life of a Hospital Social Worker: Presenting Our Role Through the Personal Narrative. Qualitative Social Work,6(4), pp. 431-446.

The author describes the use of personal narrative as a tool of advocacy for both social workers and individual clients.  In using storytelling as a means of advocating for the social work profession, social workers are able to also advocate for services for clients. 

Questions to Consider:

1. What is social work’s “second voice” and how has it impacted the perception of the profession of social work?

2. How did the author incorporate advocacy in her Day in the Life of a Social Worker narrative?

3. The author utilizes personal narrative in the context of hospital social work.  In what other contexts do you see this strategy as applicable?  How could this be utilized with vulnerable populations?

Article 2:

Chu, W.C., Tsui, M., & Yan, M. (2009). Social work as a moral and political practice. International Social Work, 52(3), pp. 287-298.

The authors identify the connection between social justice and the enhancement of people’s well-being and problem-solving capacities.   Their belief is that “The quest for social justice must be undertaken hand in hand with the quest for individual well-being, societal harmony and mutual respect.”

Questions to Consider:

1. In what ways is social work a profession characterized by humanistic values?  How are these put into practice?

2. How are social workers able to balance the dual roles of social work: to pursue social justice and to safeguard individual well-being?

3. How does a social work response to social injustice lead to enhanced well-being for individual clients?