Back to Search
Start Over
Canadian social workers' attitudes toward immigrants with different legal statuses in Canada.
- Source :
- Journal of Social Work; Jul2024, Vol. 24 Issue 4, p571-596, 26p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Summary: This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to address systemic inequality within social work by examining Canadian social workers' attitudes toward immigrants who are permanent residents (PR), refugees, temporary residents (TR), or undocumented immigrants. Using a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample (n = 653), we explore how social workers' attitudes toward immigrants vary in relation to (a) respondents' demographics, (b) contact with immigrants, (c) perceptions of equal opportunities among immigrants, (d) perceptions of deservingness for immigrants with different legal statuses, and (e) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these attitudes. Findings: While Canadian social workers generally express positive attitudes toward immigrants, there is a slightly stronger endorsement for PR and refugees to access public services compared to nonstatus (NS) immigrants and TR. Social workers who identify as conservative or have limited contact with immigrants are more likely to perceive NS immigrants as potential criminal threats or burdens on the healthcare system. Significantly, a majority of respondents feel that their social work training inadequately prepares them to work effectively with immigrants. Applications: Canadian social workers advocate for principles of diversity, inclusion, and commitment to social justice. However, perceptions regarding which immigrants deserve access to social services vary based on legal status, suggesting a limitation in social workers' professional mandate. The study discusses implications for social work education and training, emphasizing the need to address and unsettle systemic racism within the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- CITIZENSHIP
CROSS-sectional method
INSTITUTIONAL racism
SOCIAL justice
RESEARCH funding
SOCIAL workers
CRONBACH'S alpha
T-test (Statistics)
MEDICAL care
STATISTICAL sampling
SOCIAL worker attitudes
SOCIAL work education
PROFESSIONAL identity
POPULATION geography
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
IMMIGRATION law
LEGAL status of undocumented immigrants
SURVEYS
INTERSECTIONALITY
SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors
CONFIDENCE intervals
PRACTICAL politics
CULTURAL pluralism
EDUCATIONAL attainment
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14680173
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Social Work
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 178653499
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173241240942