Edward R. Canda

Religious Content in Social Work Education: A Comparative Approach

Abstract This paper presents a rationale and methodology for teaching about the religious and spiritual aspects of human behavior in social work curricula. An approach derived from the field of comparative religious studies is described, including examination of religion as a universal aspect of human culture, religious diversity, and the usefulness and authenticity of religious beliefs and practices. Implications for the personal and professional preparation of the social work educator are discussed.

A Comparative International Analysis of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work: A Survey of UK and US Social Workers

As service populations have changed, the social work profession in the UK and the US has attempted to respond to the needs of diverse cultures, which often include issues of religion and spirituality. This can be problematic, however, due to the extrication of religious and spiritual concerns from the public social services that resulted from the process of secularization. Members of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in the US were sampled to explore the attitudes and perceptions of social workers regarding the placement of religion and spirituality in practice and education. In general, US social workers in this sample were more accepting of religion and spirituality than their UK counterparts, even among those respondents who expressed non‐religious world views (e.g. atheism). A majority of the respondents in the UK (76%) and the US (73%) indicated that their training programs lacked content on religion and spirituality. In the UK, 57% of the respondents believed that social workers should increase their knowledge on spirituality, compared with 90% of the US respondents. The lower level of acceptance of religion and spirituality among UK social workers may be related to higher levels of secularism in UK society.

An holistic approach to prayer for social work practice

An holistic approach to prayer and ethical standards for its application to social work practice are presented. This approach is strongly influenced by post‐Vatican II Catholic attempts to integrate spiritual contemplation with activities for human services. It also honors and appreciates alternative secular and religious approaches to spirituality. Thus, the social work professional commitment to support client self‐determination is linked with an ecumenical, interreligious perspective. In this context, Christian forms of prayer including meditation, contemplation, and ritual are described.

Spiritual Connections in Social Work: Boundary Violations and Transcendence

This keynote address presents insights from diverse spiritual perspectives for transcending interpersonal, cultural, and religious boundaries in the process of spiritually sensitive social work. It presents definitions of spirituality and religion, considers possible boundary violating and harmful impacts of inappropriate social work approaches to spirituality, and introduces contemporary trends in connections with spirituality in social work. Themes to inspire boundary transcendence are introduced, including transformation, liminality, harmony between opposites, and death of the self. Finally, some implications for social work arising from mental clarity are offered.

Integrating Religion and Social Work in Dual Degree Programs

Abstract This article offers challenges, suggestions and examples for integrating insights from religion and social work in the context of masters level dual degree programs that link social work and other fields of study about religion, such as theology, pastoral counseling, and religious studies. The author first relates some personal and professional experiences regarding his own journey during the past 30 years in trying to find ways to connect religious studies, pastoral counseling, and social work. Next, the article presents suggestions for mutually beneficial ways that fields for studying religion and social work can challenge each other. Finally, several practical suggestions are given for designing integrated religion and social work dual degree programs.

Ideology, Scientific Theory, and Social Work Practice

This article discusses the philosophical and ideological nature of theory and examines the ways ideology becomes infused into social work theory and practice. The use of critical thought and specific evaluation criteria based on consistency with social work values are proposed.

General Implications of Shamanism for Clinical Social Work

It is a global issue of large scale human needs. Interethnic health care is likely to have increased success in achieving its goals if it incorporates a transcultural perspective,I A transcultural perspective requires ethnographic familiarity with and respect for target ethnic groups, a conceptual framework which is sufhciently encompassing to be applicable cross-culturally, and specific practice methods which are suited

Filial Piety and Care for Elders: A Contested Confucian Virtue Reexamined

Filial piety is a Confucian value common in East Asian societies and among Asian-Americans that sets an expectation for children to respect and care for aging parents. Within social work and gerontology literature, filial piety is contested as being a positive or negative influence on families and social welfare policy. However, there has not been a detailed examination of filial piety as presented in the Confucian philosophy that advocates it. Accordingly, this article examines the Confucian view of filial piety in order to assist with the process of transforming it in ways that fit contemporary social conditions.

The meaning and engagement of spirituality for positive youth development in social work

Spirituality is becoming recognized as an important source of strength within social work and the positive youth development field. However, social work innovations related to spirituality have mainly focused on adults. In order to increase focus on youth, this article integrates insights about spirituality from the positive youth development field and social work. First, it provides a conceptualization of spirituality in relation to youth. Second, the article explains the importance of spirituality for strengths-based social work that can enhance youth development by attending to issues of meaning and identity, development toward adulthood, risk factors, and personal and environmental religious and spiritual resources. It highlights spirituality-based helping practices that may be applicable to working with youth.

An International Analysis of the Role of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Practice

As service populations have changed, social workers in Norway and the United States have attempted to respond to the needs of diverse cultures, which often include issues of religion and spirituality. Members of the Norwegian Union of Social Educators and Social Workers (FO) and the U.S. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) were sampled to explore attitudes and perceptions of social workers regarding the placement of religion and spirituality in practice. In general, U.S. social workers were more accepting of religion and spirituality than their Norwegian colleagues. Factors such as secularism, functional differences of church and state relations, and different historical trajectories in the social work professions development in both countries may contribute to differences between the U.S. and Norway.