Integrating Spirituality, Faith, and Social Justice in Social Work Practice and Education: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract Empirical research has received very little focus in examining the presence of an association between social workers' spirituality and their commitment to social justice. This pilot study explores how a social worker's personal sense of spirituality may affect their professional practice of spirituality and their commitment to social justice. Other connections between social workers' personal and clinical use of spirituality and engagement in social change also emerged. In the course of semi-structured interviews with thirty social workers, findings from this study indicated that social workers' faith-affiliation takes the form of personal practice rather than involvement with organized religion. Most respondents valued the spiritual dimensions of their lives and respected the importance of spiritual dimensions for their clients. The study's findings suggest spirituality as a motivating factor in pursuing a social work career and participating in justice-seeking activities. The importance of further exploration of this association is discussed. doi:10.1300/J377v26n02_01 Key Words: Social work practicespiritualityfaithsocial justicesocial work education