Demographic and Attitudinal Factors Associated with Perceptions of Social Work

Authors

Pat M. Keith, Iowa State University

Abstract

Demographic and attitudinal correlates of perceptions of social work practice were examined among rural and urban residents. Data obtained from 301 persons indicated that attitudes toward public assistance and knowledge about social work had independent effects on perceptions of social work practice. Sex and education also explained a significant amount of the variance in attitudes toward social work with women and persons with more education having more positive attitudes. One-third of the respondents had personal experience with social work however, when other variables were considered, previous association a social worker had no impact on attitudes. Dimensions of religiosity previously found to be related to attitudes toward social action, we not associated with attitudes toward more traditional social work practice. Future research should focus on links between attitudes toward social work and subsequent utilization of social services.

Recommended Citation

Keith, Pat M. (1980) "Demographic and Attitudinal Factors Associated with Perceptions of Social Work," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 7: Iss. 4, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1431
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol7/iss4/7