Macro social work

Macro social work is the use of social work skills training and perspective to produce large scale social change or social justice of some kind. Unlike micro or mezzo social work, which deals with individual and small group issues, macro social work aims to address societal problems at their roots; however, it has recently not received the same level of importance.

Professional roles and functions

Macro social workers work in a variety of public institutions, including legislative (as elected officials and advocates), executive (as administrators, managers, researchers and experts) or judicial (as expert witnesses in courts) on federal, state, or local level. Macro social workers are also found in the private sector usually in executive positions in their respective organizations. Historically, social work included both micro and macro practice, but there has been a generational trend towards micro practice, which focuses on therapeutic work with people, families, and groups.

Scope and importance

Macro social work is a branch of social work that focuses on large-scale social processes and systemic issues. It involves interventions and strategies that target communities, organizations, and policy to promote social change, justice, and the well-being of populations.

Macro social work encompasses a broad range of activities including advocacy, community organizing, policy analysis, program development, and business administration. Practitioners in this field work to influence social policies, develop and implement social programs, and lead community initiatives. They aim to address systemic issues such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality by promoting policies that lead to equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

One of the key aspects of macro social work is its focus on social justice. Social workers in this field advocate for policies that ensure equal access to services and resources, protect human rights, and address social injustices. This can involve lobbying for legislative changes, participating in public debates, and working with marginalized communities to amplify their voices.

History and the discussion about "re-envisioning" macro social work practice

The roots of macro social work can be traced back to the settlement house movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where social workers like Jane Addams and Mary Richmond sought to address the root causes of poverty and inequality through community-based interventions and policy advocacy. This tradition has evolved over time to include various approaches and methodologies aimed at systemic change.

The inception of macro social work practice in the United States (although it was not called by that name at the time) was with the advent of social work as an academic discipline itself. in the early 1900s, Jane Addams, the founder of the feminist movement, is generally accepted as the very first macro social worker. The feminist movement was the very first macro social work project in the United States.

Recent discussions about a "re-envisioning" of macro social work practice refers to the renewed focus on enhancing the macro dimensions of social work, which include policy advocacy, community development, and organizational leadership. This movement challenges the social work profession's dwindling focus on macro practice, with the goal of realigning it with its historical foundations and current needs. The transition to micro practice is due to rising demand for emergency relief services, economic and legislative changes, and the organization's focus on survival via clinical service supply. McBeath recommends ten key changes for reinvigorating macro social work practice:

1. Develop external advocacy networks: Build networks with institutions influencing social welfare funding and policy.
2. Cultivate agency–university partnerships: Create collaborations to develop and test new macro practice models.
3. Support interprofessional exploration: Engage with other professions to share knowledge and innovate.
4. Leverage technology for advocacy: Use technology to enhance networking, advocacy, and information sharing.
5. Implement equity-focused frameworks: Use equity frameworks to evaluate social welfare initiatives.
6. Strengthen linkages to micro practice: Bridge the gap between micro and macro practice to create a unified professional identity.
7. Conduct environmental scanning: Continuously assess societal needs to adapt macro practice models.
8. Develop theory-informed practice: Integrate social science theories into macro practice.
9. Promote evidence-informed practice: Use diverse evidence to inform macro practice decisions.
10. Center practice around human rights: Ensure macro practice prioritizes human rights promotion and protection.

In order to effectively address these issues besides social justice and structural change, the social work profession must integrate macro and micro practices and promote multidisciplinary cooperation. With a renewed emphasis, the goal is to strike a balance between organisational, community, and social backdrop shaping work and frontline service delivery.

Methods and approaches

The methods employed by macro social workers are aimed at accomplishing their stated goals. All "methods" are not the same, however, but rather change and evolve depending on the social, political, and economic climate within a given country or organization they are employed within.

Some methods include: advocacy, passing bills or laws (if the social worker is an elected official), persuasion skills, collective action, and partnering with non social workers who have a similar goal.

Macro social work employs diverse methods across four levels: community, organizational, societal, and global:

1. At the community level, it involves planning and policy development, community organizing, and development strategies such as community economic and social development, focusing on participation, empowerment, and leadership.
2. Organizational level methods include building and managing nonprofit agencies and social enterprises, emphasizing social entrepreneurship and effective social administration, including program planning and organizational change.
3. At the societal level, macro social workers engage in advocacy and social action, using policy advocacy and social movements to drive systemic change and promote social justice.
4. Globally, they address issues through international social work, collaborating with NGOs to tackle poverty, human rights, and refugee crises, and supporting global advocacy efforts for sustainable development.

These methods integrate traditional and innovative approaches to empower communities, foster leadership, and achieve equitable social change.

Today, macro social work is a dynamic field that adapts to contemporary social issues. Practitioners often employ a variety of strategies to achieve their goals, including community organizing, which involves mobilizing community members to take collective action on issues affecting them. Policy practice is another critical area, where social workers engage in the analysis, development, and implementation of social policies.

Future Directions in macro social work

Macro social work plays a vital role in addressing the root causes of social problems and advocating for systemic change. By focusing on large-scale interventions, macro social workers aim to create a more just and equitable society. As social issues continue to evolve, the field must adapt and innovate to effectively address the complexities of contemporary social challenges. In addressing these aspects in social work education, future curricula should also focus on managerial skills and competences.

Previous discussions about the state of macro practice so far focused on different aspects that need to be overcome in the future. The trajectory of macro practice in social work education is increasingly recognizing the importance of organizational and management skills. A robust macro practice curriculum should include policy analysis, community organizing, leadership, and financial management, which are often underrepresented in social work management education. The lack of research investment in these areas is due to a historical focus on clinical practice. Emerging research opportunities include exploring digital transformation impacts, fostering inclusive leadership, and evaluating organizational models in social services, which could significantly advance the field.

Further reading

• Aguayo, Cecilia; Calderón-Orellana, Magdalena (29 September 2021). "Ethics for macro social work". Encyclopedia of social work. Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1502. ISBN 978-0-19-997583-9.
• Applewhite, Steven R; Kao, Dennis; Pritzker, Suzanne (2018). "Educator and practitioner views of professional competencies for macro social work practice". International Social Work. 61 (6): 1169–1186. doi:10.1177/0020872817702705. ISSN 0020-8728.
• Austin, Michael J. (10 September 2020). "Pathways for promoting macro practice in social work education: A commentary". The Future of Human Service Organizational & Management Research. Routledge. pp. 15–31. doi:10.4324/9781003041191-3. ISBN 978-1-00-304119-1.
• Bailey, Darlyne; Mizrahi, Terry (2023-01-13). Franklin, Cynthia (ed.). Encyclopedia of macro social work. Washington, DC: Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. ISBN 978-0-19-094912-9.
• Bailey, Darlyne; Mizrahi, Terry; Smith, Jenay (18 May 2022). "The Special Commission to Advance Macro Practice". Encyclopedia of social work. Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1456. ISBN 978-0-19-997583-9.
• Brown, Mary-Ellen; Stalker, Katie (2022-11-10). Social work skills for community practice: Applied macro social work. New York: Springer Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-8261-5835-2.
• Brueggemann, William G (2013-03-06) [2000]. The practice of macro social work (4th ed.). Cengage Learning. ISBN 978-0-495-60228-6. OCLC 835656608.
• Burghardt, Steve (2013-10-18). Macro practice in social work for the 21st century: Bridging the macro-micro divide (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications. ISBN 978-1-4522-5745-7. OCLC 863173184.
• Calhoun, Molly; Lightfoot, Elizabeth; Okamoto, Katlin; Goodenough, Karen; Zheng, Mingyang (1 October 2020). "Contemporary perceptions of social work: Macro practice in the profession". Journal of Community Practice. 28 (4): 374–391. doi:10.1080/10705422.2020.1841702. ISSN 1070-5422.
• Dentato, Michael P. (28 January 2022). "Social work education for macro practice". Encyclopedia of social work. Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1415. ISBN 978-0-19-997583-9.
• Donaldson, L. P.; Hill, K.; Ferguson, S.; Fogel, S.; Erickson, C. (1 January 2014). "Contemporary social work licensure: Implications for macro social work practice and education". Social Work. 59 (1): 52–61. doi:10.1093/sw/swt045. ISSN 0037-8046. JSTOR 23719542. PMID 24640231.
• Ferguson, Kristin M; Teixeira, Samantha; Wernick, Laura J; Burghardt, Steve (2018). "Macro interventions and their influence on individual and community well-being". Journal of Social Work. 18 (6): 679–702. doi:10.1177/1468017318757160. ISSN 1468-0173.
• Fauri, David P.; Netting, F. Ellen; O'Connor, Mary Katherine (July 2004). Social work macro practice. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. ISBN 978-0-534-51303-0.
• Ferguson, Iain (25 June 2019). "The return of macro approaches in social work". In Payne, Malcolm; Reith-Hall, Emma (eds.). The Routledge handbook of social work theory. London: Routledge. pp. 319–330. doi:10.4324/9781315211053-28. ISBN 978-0-415-79343-8.
• Fogel, Sondra J.; Ersing, Robin (2 April 2016). "Macro-focused social work dissertations: A preliminary look at the numbers". Journal of Social Work Education. 52 (2): 170–177. doi:10.1080/10437797.2016.1151272. ISSN 1043-7797.
• Gamble, Dorothy N. (2011). "Advanced concentration macro competencies for social work practitioners: Identifying knowledge, values, judgment and skills to promote human well-being". Journal of Community Practice. 19 (4): 369–402. doi:10.1080/10705422.2011.625914. ISSN 1070-5422.
• Hill, Katharine; Erickson, Christina L.; Donaldson, Linda Plitt; Fogel, Sondra J.; Ferguson, Sarah M. (17 December 2017). "Perceptions of macro social work education: An exploratory study of educators and practitioners". Advances in Social Work. 18 (2): 522–542. doi:10.18060/21455. ISSN 2331-4125.
• Hill, Katharine M.; Ferguson, Sarah M.; Erickson, Christina (2010). "Sustaining and strengthening a macro identity: The Association of Macro Practice Social Work". Journal of Community Practice. 18 (4): 513–527. doi:10.1080/10705422.2010.519684. ISSN 1070-5422.
• Hyde, Cheryl A. (15 November 1989). "A feminist model for macro-practice: Promises and problems". Administration in Social Work. 13 (3–4): 145–181. doi:10.1300/J147v13n03_08. ISSN 0364-3107.
• Hyde, Cheryl A. (11 June 2013). "Feminist macro social work practice". Encyclopedia of social work. Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.151. ISBN 978-0-19-997583-9.
• Kim, Sung-Ju; Jeong, Bok Gyo; Mirabella, Roseanne (27 February 2024). "Managerial aspects in macro social work education: Comparative analysis between MSW macro programs and nonprofit management education". Social Work Education: 1–18. doi:10.1080/02615479.2024.2319248. ISSN 0261-5479.
• Lee, B. (1 October 2014). "Macro practice: Cornerstone of our profession!". Social Work. 59 (4): 376. doi:10.1093/sw/swu037. ISSN 0037-8046. PMID 25365845.
• Long, Dennis D.; Tice, Carolyn J.; Morrison, John D. (2006). Macro social work practice: A strengths perspective. Brooks Cole. ISBN 978-0-534-64043-9.
• McNutt, John G. (6 October 1995). "The macro practice curriculum in graduate social work education: Results of a national study". Administration in Social Work. 19 (3): 59–74. doi:10.1300/J147v19n03_04. ISSN 0364-3107.
• Mehrotra, Gita R.; Tecle, Aster S.; Ha, An Thi; Ghneim, Staci; Gringeri, Christina (2 January 2018). "Challenges to bridging field and classroom instruction: Exploring field instructors' perspectives on macro practice". Journal of Social Work Education. 54 (1): 135–147. doi:10.1080/10437797.2017.1404522. ISSN 1043-7797.
• Mosley, Jennifer E. (2017). "Yes, macro practice matters: Embracing the complexity of real-world social work". Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance. 41 (1): 10–12. doi:10.1080/23303131.2016.1179538. ISSN 2330-3131.
• Moya, Eva M.; Stoesz, David; Lusk, Mark; Chávez-Baray, Silvia M. (28 January 2022). "Social work macro history". Encyclopedia of social work. Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1429. ISBN 978-0-19-997583-9.
• Netting, F. Ellen (30 April 2005). "Future of macro social work". Advances in Social Work. 6 (1): 51–59. doi:10.18060/78. ISSN 2331-4125.
• Netting, F. Ellen; Thomas, M. Lori; Ivery, Jan (11 June 2013). "Macro social work practice". Encyclopedia of social work. Oxford University Press & National Association of Social Workers. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.230. ISBN 978-0-19-997583-9.
• Netting, F. Ellen; McMurtry, Steven L.; Thomas, M. Lori; Kettner, Peter M. (2023) [1993]. Social work macro practice (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson. ISBN 978-0-13-586838-6. (Excerpt)
• Plitt Donaldson, Linda; Fogel, Sondra J.; Hill, Katharine; Erickson, Christina; Ferguson, Sarah (2 January 2016). "Attitudes toward advanced licensing for macro social work practice". Journal of Community Practice. 24 (1): 77–93. doi:10.1080/10705422.2015.1127864. ISSN 1070-5422.
• Pritzker, S.; Applewhite, S. R. (1 July 2015). "Going "macro": Exploring the careers of macro practitioners" (PDF). Social Work. 60 (3): 191–199. doi:10.1093/sw/swv019. ISSN 0037-8046. JSTOR 24881482. PMID 26173360.
• Regehr, Cheryl; Bogo, Marion; Donovan, Kirsten; Lim, April; Regehr, Glenn (2012). "Evaluating a scale to measure student competencies in macro social work practice". Journal of Social Service Research. 38 (1): 100–109. doi:10.1080/01488376.2011.616756. ISSN 0148-8376.
• Reisch, Michael (2017). "Why macro practice matters". Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance. 41 (1): 6–9. doi:10.1080/23303131.2016.1179537. ISSN 2330-3131.
• Reisch, Michael (2 July 2016). "Why macro practice matters". Journal of Social Work Education. 52 (3): 258–268. doi:10.1080/10437797.2016.1174652. ISSN 1043-7797.
• Reisch, Michael (2018-03-28). Macro social work practice: Working for change in a multicultural society. Cognella Academic Publishing. ISBN 978-1-5165-0757-3.
• Rothman, Jack (2007). "Multi modes of intervention at the macro level". Journal of Community Practice. 15 (4): 11–40. doi:10.1300/J125v15n04_02. ISSN 1070-5422.
• Santiago, Anna Maria; Smith, Richard J. (2 October 2018). "Is the glass half full? : How macro practice matters in a global context". Journal of Community Practice. 26 (4): 387–391. doi:10.1080/10705422.2018.1528667. ISSN 1070-5422.
• Schwartz, Edward E. (1977). "Macro social work: A practice in search of some theory". Social Service Review. 51 (2): 207–227. doi:10.1086/643494. ISSN 0037-7961.
• Sousa, Cindy A.; Yutzy, Lemuel; Campbell, Margo; Cook, Casey; Slates, Sarah (2 July 2020). "Understanding the curricular needs and practice contexts of macro social work: A community-based process". Journal of Social Work Education. 56 (3): 533–547. doi:10.1080/10437797.2019.1656686. ISSN 1043-7797.
• Thompson, Joanne; Menefee, David; Marley, Marsha (1999). "A comparative analysis of social workers' macro practice activities: Identifying functions common to direct practice and administration". Journal of Social Work Education. 35 (1): 115–124. doi:10.1080/10437797.1999.10778951. ISSN 1043-7797.
• Tice, Carolyn J.; Long, Dennis D.; Cox, Lisa E. (2019-08-07). Macro social work practice: Advocacy in action. SAGE Publications. ISBN 978-1-5063-8842-7.
• Zerden, Lisa de Saxe; Sheely, Amanda; Despard, Mathieu R. (2 October 2016). "Debunking macro myths: Findings from recent graduates about jobs, salaries, and skills" (PDF). Social Work Education. 35 (7): 752–766. doi:10.1080/02615479.2016.1188915. ISSN 0261-5479.