Gay social workers being ‘hounded out’ of the profession by homophobia according to survey

[WillParkinson]

Gay social workers being ‘hounded out’ of the profession by homophobia according to survey

A Community Care poll has found that four in ten social workers believe that homophobia is a problem for those in the profession, with some claiming their colleagues have been forced out of their jobs owing to their sexuality.

Of the respondents to the poll, which took place online, 317 people (40 per cent) believed that homophobia was a problem in social care. Just under a third (30 per cent) admitted they “didn’t know” whether such prejudice was an issue, while 30 per cent did not believe it was an issue at all.

One respondent said: “It’s regrettable that homophobia, racism, prejudice, oppressive and discriminatory practice and bullying is rife in social work . . . though I would admit that this is not from every social worker.”

Examples brought to light by the survey included a gay social worker being asked by colleagues if he wanted to be “the fairy on the Christmas tree”, a social work student who found themselves unable to continue with a placement at a religious school “that openly aired homophobic views” and a family complaining that a male social worker – who they were convinced was gay – was “attempting to remove children out of bitterness regarding his inability to biologically reproduce.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/08/13/gay-social-workers-being-hounded-out-of-the-profession-by-homophobia-according-to-survey/

[Prism]

1. Social workers often deal with the least educated in society

I work for California social services, and I've heard stories. Through a bit of luck and happenstance, I've managed to work mainly with LGBT or LGBT friendly clients, but a lesbian professional acquaintance who does social work in Oakland has gotten some real hard times from some families.

It's a hard, hard job, and I do not envy those who do it.

I can't speak to the institutional bias, because California's social services system is so screwed up, no one from the county or state ever returns my calls anyway. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise.

[closeupready]

2. Interesting. A friend of mine in SF is a social worker.

He's just the sweetest guy.

More topically, I find this counter-intuitive, because homophobia itself is acknowledged as a source of mental stress, making coping with personal dysfunction all that harder. One would then think, logically, that the field of social work would be more progressive than this.

[Prism]

3. My back of the napkin theory

In situations of extreme stress, the brain tends to revert to the tried and true and the ability for creative, open thought becomes stymied. As a result, stereotypes and resentment of the Other more easily bubbles to the surface because it's a simpler grasp for a mind looking for someone to blame for the stressful situation.

I know some very, very excellent social workers. I know some who are just drawing a paycheck and couldn't care less. Some of them are just worn down over the years. Sometimes, you see the best humanity has to offer. But too often in social work, you can see the worst. It can really take its toll on people who don't have the disposition to cope with it.

[beyurslf]

4. I am a social worker in KS who has worked for a religious-affiliated organization for 10 years.

I have not experienced any problems.