An exploratory study of curriculum content on racism and anti-semitism in the introductory social work textbook and required readings used by British Columbia schools of social work
Date
1997
Authors
Nahshon, Gidi
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Abstract
This study explored the content of the introductory social work textbooks and required readings used by five B.C. schools of social work in the academic year 1994. The focus was on the presentation of issues on racism and anti-Semitism in the required textual material.
Content analysis was selected as the methodology best suited to the project. With this methodological framework, the content of 144 items was explored, of which 14 were textbooks and 130 were articles. Relevant content on racial and ethnic minorities was examined using eight distinct categories.
The study found a shortage of information about racism and a noticeable absence of content on anti-Semitism. The content of introductory reading material does not address the existing racial and ethnic diversity of Canadian society. The findings of this study imply that in order to develop effective anti-racist education, the five B.C. schools of social work will need to find a way of including more pertinent material on racial and ethnic minorities in the introductory readings.