Ethnicity, Political Coalition and the Development of a Megapolicy Perspective in Social Work Education

Authors

Howard A. Palley, University of Maryland
Marian L. Palley, University of Delaware

Abstract

Social Work Education should have two major tasks with regard to teaching about ethnicity, particularly working-class ethnics. The fostering of sensitivity to diverse cultures, and the members of such cultural groups is clearly one thrust; the architectural task of participating In the building of a society which fulfills the needs and builds the security of its people should be the second function. In the past, social work education has taught about ethnicity and often about politics with a narrow perspective limited "to single dimensions of policy". A broader gauge "megapolicy perspective' would enable practitioners to refrain from dividing ethnic group members into "good guys" (those whom we support) and "bad guys" (those whom we oppose). It also would lead to the development of a policy oriented perspective which could help social work professionals to influence significant social reforms.

Recommended Citation

Palley, Howard A. and Palley, Marian L. (1975) "Ethnicity, Political Coalition and the Development of a Megapolicy Perspective in Social Work Education," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 2: Iss. 3, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1090
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol2/iss3/6