RUNNING HEAD : INTEGRATIVE PAPER

Integrative Paper: A Reflection of Issues in Social Work Research

By: Kelsi Babin

December 4th 2014

Professors Liza Lorenzetti & Bruce MacLaurin

SOWK 645 S01 Issues in Social Work Research

Faculty of Social Work

University of Calgary

Integrative Paper

2

As an emerging professional in the field of social work, it can become difficult explaining

to others and even myself what exactly social work is, let alone social work research. Social

work appears to be a sort of ‘multi-tasking’ profession, practice capacity and activities are

largely dependent on the context in which the work is being done, from the geo-political context

down to the agency or institution where the services are being delivered. While it emerges

primarily in contexts where market orientated economic individualism is the dominant form of

social relations, social work values are informed by those of a caring, inclusive, reciprocal

community that wants to take collective responsibility for its members (Parton & Kirk, 2010).

Although I can articulate a lengthy description of the profession and it’s distinct body of

research, reducing these diverse, expansive and evolving terms into a short definition doesn’t do

it justice. The following reflection is my conceptualization of social work research: how it is

distinctive, how it informs policy, practice and accountability, and finally how I hope to engage

with it for my future practice.

What is social work?

Social work: a helping profession that works with all micro, mezzo and macro levels of

societies for the ultimate objective of improving well-being. These levels include individuals,

families, groups, communities and international as well. The distinctive aspect of social work is

the pursuit of certain goals aligned with the recognition and emphasis on human beings and

societies in their environment. Some of these objectives include skill development,

empowerment, well-being, protection from harm, mobilizing resources, education, problem-

solving and advocacy for structural change. As stated above, social work is concerned not only

with its clients at all levels of society, but with their environments (physical, political, cultural

Integrative Paper

3

and social). Therefore, structural issues such as oppression, poverty, racism, mental health,

exploitation and human rights are also at the forefront of social work priorities. Human rights

and social justice are the philosophical underpinnings of social work practice, including

particular values, knowledge and skills, including the use of relationship as the basis of all

interventions and respect for the client’s choice and involvement. In a socio-political-economic

context which increasingly generates insecurity and social tensions, social workers play an

important and essential role (CASW, 2014).

In dealing with and working for social issues that are saturated in questions of morality,

ethical behaviour must be at the core of the profession. This ethical behaviour is guided by the

Code of Ethics for the Canadian context, and represent the core values and principles which

should be congruent with all social workers. The core social work values as outlined in the Code

include: Respect for Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons, Pursuit of Social Justice, Service to

Humanity, Integrity of Professional Practice, Confidentiality in Professional Practice, and finally

Competence in Professional Practice. I hope and plan to integrate all the above values in my

future practice. Social Work can be a very diverse and distinct field simultaneously, which begs

the question, is social work research distinctive?

Social Work Research as Distinct

It is a difficult to conceptualize social work research as distinct, as it is already a tedious

task to conceptualize social work as a profession. There are hundreds of areas and technologies

of social work practice which are bound together by mostly abstract common goals mentioned

above (well-being, environment, ethics etc.) For example, psychotherapy and mental illness,

social planning, international development, child protection, poverty, counselling, community

Integrative Paper

4

activism and much more. Some even argue that although social workers in general are the most

knowledgeable about psychological, sociological and economic characteristics and effects of

dependency in society, they should only be defined as a federated profession, or a group of

different occupational specialties unified into one profession by a common social assignment

(Popple, 1985).

Despite the growing and expanding divergent fields of social work, the difficulty in

conceptualizing the social work profession and social work research, my experiences and gut

sensation is that social work research is very distinctive and absolutely vital to inform practice,

policy and even law and politics. Some argue that several principles make social work research

distinctive: methodological excellence, rigorous inquiry, depth and progression; active

conversation with the social science community; consistency with broader social work purposes;

attention to aspects of the research enterprise that are close to social work; and taking seriously

all aspects of the research mission (Shaw, 2006). Our class discussion about the distinctive

nature of social work research was framed in a debate in which several conclusions were brought

about. One of the debates on the topic was: Social Work research has always been and will

always be distinctive and recognizable from other forms of research. A reliance on work

prepared by Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, Medicine, Anthropology or other social sciences,

would have a catastrophic impact on the research foundations of our profession. We concluded

that the answer was yes, there are distinction in social work research and research methodology

which has an impact on the body of knowledge that informs our practice as a profession.

Ultimately, best practice is informed by social work research, and its distinctions. These

distinctive qualities include a focus on social change, a holistic approach to research, specific

angle that incorporates social systems, empowering and collaborative methodology, largely

Integrative Paper

5

participatory, not emphasizing positivism, practical application of the approach (i.e. medium is

the message) and epistemological diversity. I argue on behalf of our conclusions that social work

is in fact distinct and important.

Although social work research has some of its very own characteristics and aspects that

render it distinctive, I frame my own answer to social work as distinctive based on the following

reflection questions. How can I theorize social work research as all-encompassing to inform very

different and diverging areas of practice? How can the same distinct social work body of

knowledge inform practitioners in the field of psychotherapy in hospitals, and practitioners in

international development in cross-cultural and small scale assets-based projects? I conclude that

apart from its characteristics, its nature and focus on the experience, social work research is

distinctive because it so easily and so often partnered with other forms of research. That is to say,

social work practitioners are best able to inform their specific areas of practice by utilizing

existing social work research (quantitative, qualitative and mixed) in combination with other

bodies of knowledge associated to their area of practice. This create more holistic and

accountable knowledge, practice and policy for each specific and unique domain of social work.

For example, the practitioners working with patients in the hospital in the field of mental health

will certainly inform their practice with social work based research, and undertake the

appropriate research from nursing, psychology and other associated fields. Should I one day

work for an international non-governmental organization, I would inform my practice with social

work research, law, international relations, public policy, international business and more.

My perception of social work research as distinct is also framed by the methodologies

employed by the researchers, and unique attention social work research offer to participants. This

Integrative Paper

6

perception was shaped by several sessions in our course with various lectures, articles and

especially guest speakers. For example, our guest speaker Rita Dhungel, a PhD candidate

conducted her international research in Nepal and India with a participatory-action based

methodology in which she appeared to take much care and consideration working with the

subjects. Her research was not only undertaken to perform the duties of acquiring a PhD and

adding the body of social work research. The social work question of resilience for trafficked

women in India was also a method of transformation and healing for the participants and

subjects. To me, this highlights, emphasizes and brings to life the values and principles of the

social work profession, especially Respect for Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons, Pursuit of

Social Justice, and Service to Humanity. Dorothy Badry is another memorable social work

researcher that conducted a study in the northern parts of Canada related to individuals with Fetal

Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and its relationship to colonialism. In her class presentation she

highlighted the importance of ‘…doing research in a respectful, meaningful way in the

community and getting people involved and getting something out of it. (Badry, 2014)’ What

stood out to me as social work research was her extension of compassion, art, socio-linguistic

and cultural considerations of the community research. For example, she mentioned the

importance of abstaining from speaking directly, or saying FASD directly in regards to her

participants, she was open to incorporating different aspects the community desired in the

research such as crafts and arts, and thus upheld cross-cultural competence and cultural

sensitivity. The latter may not be distinctly in social work research only, but social work research

is distinct in the way these considerations are viewed as important, next to or more than the

research outcome itself.

Integrative Paper

7

For example, in International Social Work research, it is central to uphold the practices in

research the two former example exhibited in order to adopt a ‘Do No Harm’ approach to

research projects and ventures globally. Research holds a primary ethical obligation to avoid

doing harm to the lives, communities or environments they study or that may be impacted by

their work (American Anthropological Association, 1998). This ethical principle of research

applies to all helping professions, including community and international development and

extends beyond abstaining from direct harm. The responsibilities associated with this principle is

an obligation to deliberate and weigh out any potential future consequences and impact. Direct

harm is easier to avoid than complex assessments of potential future impact and entails that this

primary obligation may override the goal of creating knowledge. Social work research brings

progress and critical reflection in the profession. Researcher for international and community

development may have great intentions and hopes to bring progress and benefits for individuals,

communities and nations. However, determining what in the best interest, what is appropriate for

development, and what are culturally appropriate methods to adopt is value-driven and can have

long term unintentional impacts. The best method to consider when conducting international or

community research with the goal of international or community development is to carry

sustained critical reflection and dialogue and should include participating communities.

Although the ‘Do No Harm’ approach is integral many recognize that it is not sufficient for some

vulnerable populations and require the distinct ethics of social work research that recognize the

rights and interests of subjects as primary (Richard, Pittaway, & Bartolomei, 2011).

Research as informing practice, policy and demonstrative of accountability

Integrative Paper

8

Social work research is an extension of the profession, a foundation for practice, policy and

accountability. The purposes, objectives and goals of the social work profession goes alongside

the goals, objectives and purpose of social work research; (pursuit of social justice, service to

humanity etc.) the nature and purposes are intimately related and, in many respects, research is

now centrally implicated in debates about the practice and future directions of social work in

ways which have not been evident previously (Parton & Kirk, 2010). In relation to accountability

within the sphere of research, unlike methods such as evidence-based practice or scientific

approaches, there are some methods of research that are purposely created to try to give voice to

clients and thereby attempt to democratize both research and social work itself (Parton & Kirk,

2010). The latter also speaks volumes about social work as distinct, and was reflected in the

work of several guest speakers whom presented their research.

To expand on the relationship between accountability and social work research:

accountability is produced not only when social work research is made to inform policy and

practice, but when it is an example of an ethical, transparent and accountable process itself. It

could be a process that lives the nature of social work by giving voice to the silenced, relate to

social justice issues, and give equitable opportunity for participation. For example, Rita Dhungel

created a safe space for healing and transformation, a community and credited her participants

properly, bringing to life social work principles and accountability. It appeared that the purposes

of her research was not for personal gain, but a process where the researcher and research

participants were collaborating under the presumption of equality and through relationship

building with reduced power differential. Furthermore, social work research can demonstrate

accountability in the long term by exposing power dynamics, power relations, and influence of

Integrative Paper

9

elite in society, but also within its process as a participatory research: decision-making

collaboration, co-learning and sharing experiences. Whether research is qualitative, quantitative

or mixed-method in approach, the key issues relate to epistemological concerns and the priority

to give voice to those who would otherwise be silent (Parton & Kirk, 2010).

In class, we had a great discussion about the risks involved in policy informed by anything

other than research. Policy can be based on, created, reformed or tailored to fit specific political

agendas, campaigns, political parties, tragedies (ex. child deaths) or even political ideologies. For

example, the death of Richard Cardinal in the 1980’s from suicide after being bounced through

multiple foster homes, sparked a range of new policies and practice. The documentary ‘Richard

Cardinal: Cry from the Diary of a Métis Child’ sparked a string of policy changes in social work

policy, especially with child protection. Our class discussed several potential research questions

that could have been investigated in this case in order to inform policy or practice. These include

for example: What was the quality of the home environments? Were there any past suicide

attempts? Could the Cardinal siblings have been placed together – why were they separated?

What effects on attachments (secure or insecure) does changing foster homes frequently have on

a child? What support could have benefitted the family or household that took in Richard before

moving?

The risks for policies that are not informed by credible, peer reviewed research that occur in

social work practice policies in Canada are incredibly dangerous. In terms of policy informed by

political ideology and ethnocentrism, the ‘sixties scoop’ is a prime example of policy gone

wrong, an instrument some argue, of cultural genocide. Many First Nations charged that in many

cases where consent was not given, that government authorities and social workers acted under

Integrative Paper

10

the colonialist assumption that native people were culturally inferior and unable to adequately

provide for the needs of the children (Kimelman,1985). Thousands of Aboriginal children were

apprehended and placed in homes that were not part of their communities. The known event was

coined the ‘60’s Scoop’ because of the vast amount of children from First Nation and Métis

communities who were taken from their families between the 1960’s and 1980’s. Statistics from

the Department of Indian Affairs reveal a total of 11,132 status Indian children adopted between

the years of 1960 and 1990. Of these children who were adopted, 70% were adopted into non-

native homes (Origins Canada, 2014). This ill-informed policy and practice was not congruent to

social work principles, if research had more of a presence, this practice could have been avoided.

Many social problems are the result of oppressive practices such as the ‘Sixties Scoop’; identity

loss, loss of family, breakdown in secure attachments for the victims etc. Several First

Nation/Aboriginal reunification programs have sprouted up in Canada as there are countless

adult adoptees searching for families, vice-versa (Origins Canada, 2014). Policy based on

political agendas, tragedies or more risk becoming an agent of oppression, particularly in roles of

child protection. The profession of social work has often been intrusive, judgmental, controlling

and harmful (Baskin, 2006) particularly in cross-cultural assessments. Aboriginal families and

children continue to disproportionally represent, unfortunately the highest numbers of

involvement with Child Protection.

The Aboriginal approach to social work research is very important in the Canadian context;

these communities face ongoing colonialism and repercussions of historic attacks on culture,

identity and human dignity through social, economic, legal and institutional instruments of

marginalization. Although the amount of Aboriginal social workers is increasing, they are still

represented disproportionately as clients of non-Aboriginal social workers from dominant

Integrative Paper

11

European descendent culture. It is vital to understand the historic and colonial context to address

the needs of clients and challenge oppressive legacies; mobilizing social work research in this

area could potentially have impact with reconciliation between the profession and Aboriginal

communities. To elaborate on the relationship between social work research, policy and practice

in the Canadian context is best illustrated with examples, research topics and methodology

engaging with Aboriginal communities. One example may be about resilience, factors for

fostering resilience and Aboriginal youth. Resilience is defined as adaptation to adversity and

success, it was discovered that factors outside the individual helps promote resilience. Two

additional concepts are resilient reintegration, in which a confrontation with adversity leads

individuals to a new level of growth, and the notion endorsed by some Aboriginal educators that

resilience is an innate quality that needs only to be properly awakened (Fleming & Ledogar,

2008). Fleming & Ledogar suggests five areas for future research with an emphasis on youth: 1)

studies to improve understanding of what makes some Aboriginal youth respond positively to

risk and adversity and others not; 2) case studies providing empirical confirmation of the theory

of resilient reintegration among Aboriginal youth; 3) more comparative studies on the role of

culture as a resource for resilience; 4) studies to improve understanding of how Aboriginal

youth, especially urban youth, who do not live in self-governed communities with strong cultural

continuity can be helped to become, or remain, resilient; and 5) greater involvement of

Aboriginal researchers who can bring a nonlinear world view to resilience research (Fleming &

Ledogar, 2008).

A last reflection concerning the importance of social work research to inform policy, practice

and accountability is inspired by the guest speaker Lana Wells, Brenda Strafford Chair in the

Prevention of Domestic Violence. She spoke about the importance of research to inform policy

Integrative Paper

12

at the provincial government level. What stood out to me in the presentation was the emphasis on

the following concepts. Firstly, research is the foundation for creating successful or helpful

policies and practice, but at the provincial level of government the most helpful method is to

create a business case plan that explains the economics behind the issue and the cost to the

province. The preferred methodology for research to be plausible for politicians and policy

makers is evidence-based. To me this is unfortunate, social work research appreciates and

upholds evidence-based research, it is absolutely necessary and helps explain what is beneficial

for clients, how it is or isn’t beneficial and what works and doesn’t work. However, as social

work research processes and uses different methodology it should not be the only credible

sources of research at the provincial government level. Another point Lana Wells raised was the

ways in which social workers should inform politicians and policy makers in government. She

pointed out the importance of being clear, having points stemming from research and not abstract

morality and choosing only one or two clear recommendations to convey. She also emphasized

the importance of understanding bills, politics and systems to guide one’s work as a social

worker working to combat structural issues at the government level.

This model of building bridges between social work and politics is not reflective of social

work research principles and reflects the unequal power dynamics. How can the province expect

to reduce domestic violence using one or two main recommendations, just for practicality and

cost? The very core of social work and social work research highlights the importance of

addressing conflict and social problems in holistic ways to bring about solutions. To me it is

demonstrative of how little the government cares about social issues in our country and

overemphasizes the importance of short term economics and cost. Alberta is the province with

Integrative Paper

13

the highest rates of reported domestic violence, there is long term cost to this issue, and short

term reparation costs. I feel a struggle in determining how social workers should work with the

government. Should we drop or work loosely with the core principles and distinct methodologies

of our profession to work in the political arena? It appears as though if we adapt to the ‘modern’,

scientific-based, economics-backed methodologies and reasoning, we (social workers) can make

our case more plausible, heard and perhaps have (one or two!) practical changes. However, it is

my understanding as an emerging social work student that there is a different way of thinking,

one that is more post-modern, a different way of attacking social problems, one that is more

collaborative, participatory and holistic. How much should social workers give up in order to

work to build bridges with policy and practice?

How will I apply research to my future practice?

The discussions about social work research as distinctive and informing policy, practice and

accountability brings about the reflection about involving research in my future practice. As a

student with no extensive background in the social work profession, it is difficult to assess how I

will do this in the future. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the various ideas in the course

that have stood out to me to inform my future practice. My primary career goals in the field of

social work is to work in the international and community development areas of the profession.

There are many barriers and limitations in this arena. International development has been

criticized as being an extension of imperialism, or a modern form of imperialism in which much

harm can be done to subjected communities, environments, white-savior complex, cultural

damage, westernization and creating forms of unsustainable development. There are several

course learnings that have stood out to me over the rest in regards to these areas of practice that I

Integrative Paper

14

would consider vital to applying to my future practice. The first and foremost I am grateful for

my ability to speak several languages to enhance cross-cultural sensitivity and competence as a

practitioners and for the teams I will work with. I plan to utilize the languages I know as a means

of communication and learning, immersing in the cultural landscapes of my future practice. Also,

my interests in languages and cultures is another very important aspect because for me this

means that I will have the desire and ability to learn necessary languages and cultural

competence for some projects, an added richness to the agency I will work with.

There are many practical applications I can choose to discuss for implementing in my future

practice. However the application I consider most important to apply in is the approach of ‘Do

no Harm’ in the context of international research as discussed earlier. There is a plethora of

techniques to implement this approach to practice. However, one of my favorite authors Mary

Anderson, has a lifetime of experience working in with humanitarian aid in conflict zone and

provides two techniques I find to be very helpful to implement the ‘do no harm’ approach. This

principle in social work and research emphasizes the responsibilities of practitioners not only to

abstain from harming participants and subject communities, but to carefully weigh all the

possible outcomes and risks in order to avoid doing harm. In the context of development,

humanitarian aid and conflict one method I would like to utilize is Anderson’s ‘Seven Steps’

guide to the ‘Do no Harm’ approach, and a post-project questionnaire indicative of potential

harm.

The Do No Harm Framework: A Brief Description of Seven Steps by Mary Anderson is just

one example of a tool for mapping the interactions of assistance and conflict and can be used to plan,

monitor and evaluate both humanitarian and development assistance programmes. The steps outlined

Integrative Paper

15

in this tool includes: understanding the context of conflict, analyzing the tensions and dividers,

analyzing the connectors and local capacities, analyzing the assistance program one is working

with, analyzing the impact and ethical messages being sent, considering and generating

programming options and finally, re-programming and analyzing any reforms. These steps help

international workers identify possible outcomes of their work that would escalate conflict, re-

enforce tensions, contributions to context of conflict etc. If the results of the deliberation indicate

strong enough potential of harm, programming options for the project, aid assistance, research or

other can be redesigned in a manner that is beneficial to the hosting community. This evaluative

tool is very useful because it is a tool of prevention of harm and reflects a practical application of

the ‘do no harm’ approach to international social work and international social work research. To

compliment this tool, Mary Anderson also provides a post-project tool of analysis ‘Do no Harm’

– Indications for Assessing Aid’s Impact on Conflict, 1999 that I plan to incorporate in my

practice alongside many other similar types of practical applications.

Social work as a profession and as a research framework is distinctive and vital for

informing policy, practice and creating a climate of accountability for practitioners, social

problems, and in socio-political institutions. There is a plethora of measurable applications I can

choose to undertake in my future practice, as a future worker in international development, what

stood out to me in the course was my ethical obligations. This includes the ‘Do no Harm’

approach to conducting practice and social work research in communities and internationally. I

am grateful to be involved in the social work profession and hope to be a practitioners that can

make positive contributions to the field in creative and accountable ways.

Integrative Paper

16

References

AAA. (1998). Code of Ethics of American Anthropological Association. American

Anthropological Association, 1-17.

Anderson, M. (1999). The Do No Harm Framework: A Brief Description of Seven Steps. The Do

No Harm Framework for Analyzing the Impact of Assistance on Conflict, 1-3.

Anderson, M. (1999). ''Indications'' for Assessing Aid's Impacts on Conflict. Do No Harm: How

Aid Can Support Peace or War, 1-3. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from

https://www.academia.edu/1832873/Do_no_harm_how_aid_can_support_peace--or_war

Baskin, C. (2006). Aboriginal World Views as Challenges and Possibilities in Social Work

Education. Critical Social Work, 7(2).

Canadian Association of Social Workers. (2014). What is Social Work? Retrieved from

http://www.casw-acts.ca/en/what-social-work

Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). (2005). Code of Ethics. 1-18. Retrieved from

http://www.casw-acts.ca/sites/default/files/attachements/CASW_Code of Ethics_0.pdf

Fleming, J., & Ledogar, R. J. (2008). Resilience, an evolving concept: A review of literature

relevant to Aboriginal research. Pimatisiwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous

Community Health, 6(2), 7-23.

Kimelman, Judge E.C. (1985). No quiet place: Review committee on Indian and Metis adoption

and placements. Manitoba Community Services.

Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2010). Do No Harm: International

Support for Statebuilding. Conflict and Fragility. Retrieved November 30, 2014.

Origins Canada. (2014). Aboriginal Resources: The 60's Scoop. Supporting Those Separated by

Adoption. Retrieved from http://www.originscanada.org/aboriginal-resources/the-stolen-

generation/

Parton, N., & Kirk, S. (2010). Chapter 1: The nature and purposes of social work. In I. Shaw, K.

Briar Lawson, J. Orme, & R. Ruckdeschel (Eds.), The Sage handbook of social work research.

London, UK: Sage. Retrieved: http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/29086_5314_Shaw_01.pdf

Sage Book of Social Work Research (pp. 23-36)

Popple, P. (1985). The Social Work Profession: A reconceptualization. Social Service Review,

59(4), 550-577.

Richard, H., Pittaway, E., & Bartolomei, L. (2011). When 'Do No Harm' Is Not Enough: The

Ethics of Research with Refugees and Other Vulnerable Groups. British Journal of Social Work

Advance Access, 1(17), 1-17. Retrieved November 26, 2014.

Integrative Paper

17

Shaw, I. F. (2007). Is social work research distinctive? Social Work Education, 26(7), 659-669