Social workers and their understanding of neoliberalism, advocacy, and othering

INTRODUCTION: As part of advocating for clients, it is a requirement for social workers to understand structures and power bases which sustain social injustices. This article summarises a study which aimed to understand how neoliberalism affected the ability of social workers to provide support and advocacy to disadvantaged people. METHODS: This article reports on the findings of a qualitative-exploratory study. The data were collected via eight semi-structured interviews with social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand; data were analysed thematically.FINDINGS: A key finding of the research was that social workers have limited understanding of neoliberalism, are placing themselves at risk of sustaining neoliberalism, and are engaging in "othering" discourses towards their clients.CONCLUSION: The research illustrates the presence of neoliberalism, evidenced through increased compliance and standardisation of social work practice. A neoliberal blindness paradox exists; social workers are frustrated that neoliberalism impacts their work but place neoliberal messaging on their clients when encountering structural injustice. Social workers identify change as possible within their local communities but require greater leadership to engage in this advocacy. Further research into social workers' understanding of neoliberalism and how this affects their worldview would offer further insight into their capacity to engage in social change.