Can Social Work Help Save Democracy?

by Charles E. Lewis, Jr.

     On Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., social workers will gather at New York University’s Abramson Family Auditorium, 1307 L Street, NW, in Washington, DC, to discuss what social work can do to respond to the erosion of democracy in the United States. The forum is part of the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP) Social Work Day on the Hill. Sponsored by the National Association of Deans and Directors (NADD), a panel of deans and other social work leaders will respond to threats on democracy described by Duke historian Dr. Nancy MacLean in her book, Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America, a finalist for the National Book Award.

     When 95 percent of respondents in the Quinnipiac poll support background checks for all gun purchases and two-thirds support a ban on assault weapons, and we have a Congress that fails to act, democracy is threatened. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has exerted a disproportionate influence on members of Congress—particularly Republicans—to the point they even refused to address the issue. The Centers for Disease Control stopped conducting research on gun violence in America after Congress threatened to cut its funding because the NRA believed the CDC’s research supported gun control efforts.

     Research has shown that the top one percent wields greater power in advancing their policy choices, which tend to be more conservative than those of the general public. Their dominance can be explained by their being more politically active and having more resources to influence politicians and policymakers. Efforts to restrict voting have weakened the political power of low-income Americans. Social workers are fighting back with civic engagement campaigns throughout the country. One effort—led by Dr. Terry Mizrahi at Hunter College School of Social Work—involves getting field instructors active in voter engagement and mobilization. Social workers are being urged to run for elected office to bring our values and principles into the political arena.

     The Special Commission on Macro Social Work Practice, operating under the umbrella of the Association for Community Organizing and Social Administration (ACOSA), has been promoting awareness and generating support for more macro social work practitioners. The 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work is another effort to address issues and develop policies to strengthen the middle class—a key component for democracy.

     The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics states that social workers have a mandate to pursue social justice. If so, we must do everything within our power to help save democracy if we believe democracy is essential to economic and social justice.

Dr. Charles E. Lewis, Jr., is President of the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy.  He served as deputy chief of staff and communications director for former Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns and was the staff coordinator for the Congressional Social Work Caucus.