Episode #2: Blaze of Beliefs: Social Work's Untold Fight

Join Dr. Chelsea Smith—conservative social worker, big-picture thinker, and Texas firecracker—on Polisocial Pulse: Blaze of Beliefs: Social Work’s Untold Fight. We’re tearing into the wild heart of social work, busting the myth it’s all one-sided. From the smoky slums of 1890s Chicago—where gritty pioneers like Jane Addams fought for their neighbors—to today’s drift toward handouts over grit, Chelsea digs into why social work’s losing its edge. With real folks—rural moms, vets, workers—slipping through the cracks and voices like hers getting hushed, she’s lighting a spark: every belief, from conservative to liberal, fuels our fight. Packed with hard-hitting facts—like 40% lean one way, 17% want others out—and a call to rise, this episode’s a wake-up roar. Can social work reclaim its soul? Strap in—Chelsea’s got the fire to find out!

References:

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Cawvey, M. (2017). Political ideology and social work practice: An exploration of conservative perspectives [Unpublished manuscript or dissertation].  

Fazzi, L., & Nothdurfter, U. (2021). Right-wing populism and social work: A qualitative study of Italian social workers’ political attitudes. British Journal of Social Work, 51(7), 2381-2398. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcab123  

Kindler, T. (2022). Political engagement in social work: A comparative analysis of U.S. and Swiss social workers. Journal of Policy Practice and Research, 3(2), 118-131.  

Ringstad, R. (2014). Political diversity among social work students: A longitudinal study of ideological trends. Social Work Education, 33(6), 723-738.  

Rosenwald, M. (2006). Exploring the Political Diversity of Social Workers. Social Work

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Rosenwald, M. (2006). A Part Versus Apart: The Relationship Between Social Workers’ Political Ideology and Their Professional Affiliation. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 3(2), 61-77.