DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/Q6N4-PA24
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3613-7151
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Jamie Cage, PhD
Second Advisor
Nicole Corley, PhD
Third Advisor
Elizabeth Cramer, PhD
Fourth Advisor
Lynnette Mawhinney, PhD
Abstract
This three paper dissertation aims to provide a baseline understanding of how multiraciality is understood in social work education. The first paper, a fusion autoethnography, explores how my own perception of my multiracial identity was clarified throughout my social work education. This exploration led to the development of incongruent logic in/validation (ILV), a new aspect of racial identity invalidation (RII). The second paper, a multimethod qualitative case study, explores master of social work (MSW) students’ knowledge, attitudes, and anticipated professional behaviors with multiracial individuals and families. Themes from this study include: never explicitly learned about multiraciality; non-ecological endorsements of multiracial identity development; affirming client self-agency; and opposing perceptions of affinity groups. The final paper is a theoretical application of MultiCrit to advocate for the inclusion of multiraciality in social work education programs. Recommendations are provided for the implicit and explicit curriculums guided by the tenets of MultiCrit. Implicit curriculum recommendations include: increasing representation of multiracial faculty; ensuring representation of multiracial individuals is ethical and respectful; and creating safe spaces for multiracial individuals in social work programs. Explicit curriculum recommendations include: providing historical context to multiraciality; adding multiracial counternarratives through readings and guest lectures; and acknowledging matrices of privilege and oppression for multiracial people. Implications for research and practice include furthering research that evaluates social work practice with multiracial individuals and providing professional development for social workers to become multiracial culturally attuned practitioners.
Rights
© Britney Pitts
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-12-2023