Conflict in Field: LGBTQ Social Work Students' Stories of Identity Management, Discrimination, and Practice

This study examines students' negative experiences in field placement related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, examining areas of conflict and emotional responses to conflicts. Using a subset of data gathered as part of a larger survey of 1,018 lesbian, gay, bisexua...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of social work education 2020-10, Vol.56 (4), p.708-720
Main Authors: Messinger, Lori, Natale, Anthony P., Dentato, Michael P., Craig, Shelley L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Barriers
College Students
Conflict
Environmental Influences
Experiential Learning
Foreign Countries
LGBTQ People
Organizational Climate
Self Disclosure (Individuals)
Sexual Identity
Sexual Orientation
Social Bias
Social Discrimination
Social Work
Student Characteristics
Student Experience
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Summary:This study examines students' negative experiences in field placement related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, examining areas of conflict and emotional responses to conflicts. Using a subset of data gathered as part of a larger survey of 1,018 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) undergraduate and graduate social work students in the United States and Canada, an analysis is conducted on qualitative responses (N=207) to a question about conflict in the field. The authors identified six LGBTQ-related conflict themes: managing disclosure, unsupportive agency atmosphere, handling others' discomfort, dealing with discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, bad practice with LGBTQ clients, and challenges found within an LGBTQ-serving agency. Forty student responses discussed feelings of fear, sadness, discomfort, and shame. Implications for field education with LGBTQ social work students are discussed.
ISSN:1043-7797
2163-5811
DOI:10.1080/10437797.2019.1661912