in what ways do practitioners’ religious beliefs and their social work practice relate? kwan chi...

In what ways do practitioners’ religious beliefs and their social work practice relate?

Kwan Chi Kin

9 July 2012

Social Work

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Introduction

An unfamiliar territory

Research questions • To what extent are practitioners’ actions

affected by their own religious beliefs? • In what ways can practitioners’ own

religious beliefs influence their social work practice?

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Research Questions

• Some practitioners considered practicing SW is a “calling from God”. (Worker A & B)

• Religious teaching (e.g. Buddhist teaching of “non-attachment”) had been used in helping clients. (Worker C)

• Religious rituals had been included (e.g. praying with clients) in counseling sessions. (Worker A)

Religious Beliefs and Social Work

Some influences are quite obvious, that had been identified in prior literature:

Less Obvious Influences

• Recognized himself as a “sinner” > easier to show acceptance to his clients (Worker A)

• Believed that clients' change is “God's work” > less likely to be frustrated when her clients relapse again (Worker B)

• Attended church activities > gave him emotional support (Worker A)

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Less Obvious Influences

Some influences are less obvious but are probably more significant:

Other findings:

• It seems common that they could not articulate clearly how their religious beliefs affected their practices.

• Their practices were still based on reason, instead of “divinely inspired ideas”.

• Their ideas about their case situations were not necessarily consistent with the mainstream beliefs held by the religions they follow.

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Other Findings

• It could be hard to “pigeonhole” each of them simply according to their religious backgrounds. (Worker C)

• No significant influence could be identified for some research participants. (Worker D & E)

• Religious beliefs were usually mixed with other personal beliefs they have.

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Other Findings

• Rather than generating impacts independently, the influence of religious beliefs took place through the interplay between their religious beliefs and other contributing factors.

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Other Findings

Implications• For SW Education: SW teachers and

students may need to talk their religions openly in SW training.

• For SW Practice: Practitioners should make explicit the possible influences of their religious beliefs on their practices.

• For Research: The influence of religious beliefs on SW practice should not be examined in isolation.

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Research Questions

Questions and comments.Thank you.

Religious Beliefs and Social Work Questions and Comments