The Social Worker and Successful State Social Policy

The social work profession began not only with the inclusion of advocacy and social policy as primary components, but as the bedrock of the profession itself. Recent literature has raised alarms with regard to a diminished professional emphasis on macro practice. The purpose of this study was to identify lessons that social workers may learn from those social workers who are participating in successful macro social work, as well as how their differing role perspectives may impact these efforts. Using a qualitative design, eight social workers were interviewed regarding their successful social policy, career trajectory, and perspectives regarding their social work education. Three primary themes were identified through this study: lessons for the social worker, lessons for social work programs, and robust career experiences.