From social justice to abolition: living up to social work's grand challenge of eliminating racism. Issue 3 (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brock-Petroshius, Kristen; Mikell, Dominique; Washington, Durrell Malik; James, Kirk
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnic & cultural diversity in social work. Volume 31:Issue 3/5(2022)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Social justice -- social work -- abolition -- racism -- anti-racism; Social work with minorities -- Periodicals; Social work with minorities -- United States -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Minority Groups -- Periodicals; 362.84
• DOI: 10.1080/15313204.2022.2070891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-3204

Abstract

ABSTRACT: How can social work live up to the 13 th Grand Challenge of Eliminating Racism? In this article we argue for the replacement of the predominant social justice paradigm with a framework for anti-racist social work praxis informed by abolitionist principles. The primary aim of anti-racist social work praxis needs to be the building of power in Black, Indigenous, or Brown and poor communities. We define additional praxis principles, including engaging with critical theories, advancing macro-approaches, targeting racism at the source, and developing interventions to eliminate and address the effects of racism. We end by sharing concrete anti-racist praxis tools.