Racial Inequities in the Delivery of Social Services

Authors

James D. Chesney, University of Michigan
Rafael Jacob Engel, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Abstract

Data from a survey of registered social workers in Michigan indicate inequities in the delivery of social services. Providers serving non-whites tend to spend less time providing casework services and more time on providing welfare services than do providers serving whites. These interracial differences may be explained by income or employment auspice. The major racial inequity is apparent when providers serving primarily non-white clients are analyzed. White providers serving non-whites spend more time on welfare activities and less on casework services than do non-white providers serving non-whites. These differences cannot be explained by income or the providers' education and experience. Such patterns of delivery raise issues for the profession and have implications for manpower needs, usage, and training. Research aimed at evaluating the consequences of these differences and programs to eliminate inequities should be of the highest priority.

Recommended Citation

Chesney, James D. and Engel, Rafael Jacob (1982) "Racial Inequities in the Delivery of Social Services," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 9: Iss. 4, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1555
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol9/iss4/4