Clutching the Pearls: Evaluating the Impact of a Queer Elective in Social Work Education

Abstract

There remains a disease between social work and Queer communities, inequities, and issues. Core to this is the blatant lack of a decidedly Queer-affirmative approach in both implicit and explicit curriculum in accredited programs, let alone the ensuing training and practice of social work practitioners. This research study deployed a quasi-experimental design to evaluate a model interdisciplinary and critical theory driven Queer elective course, using a multi-level assessment measure. This elective aimed to cultivate a Queer-affirmative approach in MSW students. The findings show the assessment measure is reliable and congruent in assessing Queer affirmative dimensions of an elective curriculum. Next, the curriculum itself made significant and positive impacts on phobias/beliefs, attitudes, and cultural competence for those who participated in the experimental Queer elective course. Moreover, the elective’s curriculum made a significant impact overall in producing a Queer-affirmative disposition. Based on the findings, model Queer competencies are offered to accredited social work programs in order to more effectively align social work(ers) with Queer communities, reduce Queer inequities, and promote more congruence between the profession’s values, aims, and ethics with accreditation standards and accredited programs.