Social Work and Social Protest: An Under-Researched Field

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The literature on social work, political participation and political activism suggests three significant points. First, there is overriding agreement as to the necessity for political activity. Second, existing research as it relates to political activity has been primarily quantitative, thereby limiting the knowledge as to the actual experience of professionals engaged in political activity, particularly as they relate to participation in social protest movements. Finally, findings point to the fact that participation in social protests, demonstrations and marches as a form of political action is far from the more popular of political activities among professionals, yet there is limited exploration as to why this may be the case.

This paper presents findings about the actual experience of social workers active in the 2011 Israeli Social Protest Movement. The experiences noted suggest a rationale as to why participation in social protests is rated among the lowest forms of political action among professionals.

Method:  Research data were collected through a focus group interview. The sample consisted of 11 professionals. Six were community workers. Two were caseworkers. Three defined themselves as both caseworkers and community workers. The number of years in the workplace ranged from one to twenty years. The number of years of overall professional experience ranged from one to forty years. Data analysis entailed stages: Open coding, axial coding and integration of the data into main themes. 

 Findings:Data analysis revealed three themes. The first addresses the variety of activity that professionals engaged in throughout the protests. These included relationship building and strategizing with diverse groups. Activities included linking local organizing efforts to the national movement and provision of individual assistance.

   The second theme addresses professional frustration and disappointment. This was expressed through role confusion; a lack of appropriate conceptual frameworks, tools and skills to promote social protest; poor professional organization and an inability to resist superiors' orders to terminate the protests. Finally, findings reveal the unique experience of women who sensed danger in the protests.

 Conclusion and Implications:

Earlier studies conclude that the strongest predictors of professional political participation are related to a perceived sense of efficacy. Results from this study suggest that while professionals engaged in activity throughout the protests, they experienced an overall low sense of efficacy coupled with a sense of danger.

The profession remains committed to political activity as a method to advance human welfare. However, to be able to do so professionals must be better equipped for the role. Training professionals so that they will be organized both to conceptualize their roles and to enact them in social movements is crucial to help realize this commitment.

   The profession can advance guidelines and training for social protest activity, can ensure that professionals are prepared for the dangers entailed in such activity and most importantly can provide a support network for social workers throughout the protests. Social work associations can and should take a more active role in advancing frameworks for professional political activity.