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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Sage Book of Social Work Research (pp. 23-36)
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Richard, H., Pittaway, E., & Bartolomei, L. (2011). When 'Do No Harm' Is Not Enough: The
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Shaw, I. F. (2007). Is social work research distinctive? Social Work Education, 26(7), 659-669
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