Critical Race Studies
Critical Race Studies
- Larry OrtizLarry OrtizProfessor Loma Linda University Department of Social Work
- and Susan NakaokaSusan NakaokaAssistant Professor California State University, Long Beach Department of Social Work
Summary
Critical race theory originated in law as a framework for legal studies analyzing the United States’ persistent racial divide. As an upstream theory, it focuses on the underlying social structures and cultural assumptions upholding White supremacy. Since the early 2000s, social work scholars have begun to apply critical race theory tenets to all aspects of the profession, from education to practice. Considering social work’s historic commitment to social justice, and the most recent declarations of the Council on Social Work Education as committed to antiracist education, this article advances the idea that critical race studies in social work is necessary, but the relationship requires serious and ongoing interrogation to unearth the profession’s White supremist roots.
Subjects
- International and Global Issues
- Populations and Practice Settings
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
