During the 28th annual conference of the Society for Social Work Researchers (SSWR), held from January 10 to 14, the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) distinguished itself through a remarkable display of scholarly contributions. Over 50 authors from UMSSW featured prominently in the conference program, underscoring the institution’s comprehensive engagement among faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
UMSSW’s presentations at the conference illuminated the intricate layers of relationships in a multicultural society, providing crucial insights for social work practitioners advocating for an informed, inclusive, and compassionate approach to service. The UMSSW’s research reaffirms the role of social work in fostering understanding and support across the spectrum of human relationships. Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UMSSW, Jodi J. Frey, PhD, LCSW-C beamed that she “could not be more proud of our faculty, staff, students and alumni for the research they are leading and co-leading with our community partners in critical areas that are infused with our J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) values.”
Haelim Lee and Geoffrey Greif at the poster presentation for the study on experiences of Asian Americans who intermarry in the United States.
Three featured presentations provided a window into this transformative work.
Beyond Physical and Emotional Harm: A New Understanding of IPV Among Latinx Women
A groundbreaking study spearheaded by Iris Cardenas, PhD, LSW, associate professor at UMSSW, provides new insights into intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by Latinx women. This research goes beyond the traditionally recognized domains of physical and emotional abuse, delving into the subtler, often-ignored facets of IPV. It highlights how economic burdens, cultural norms, reproductive coercion, and the new frontier of digital harassment collectively pose a complex threat to the well-being and self-determination of Latinx women. With a staggering 92 percent of participants reporting diverse instances of IPV, there is a pressing need for a broader, more inclusive method of assessing IPV — one that acknowledges the socioeconomic and cultural backdrop of these women’s lives.
The study emphasizes the critical role that socioeconomic and cultural elements play in both the occurrence and the aftermath of IPV.
“It is imperative to acknowledge and incorporate the understanding that contextual elements, including economic and cultural factors, significantly impact both the experience and the aftermath of intimate partner violence,” Cardenas said. “These factors play a crucial role in shaping the resilience and recovery journey of survivors. Understanding these complexities is essential in developing comprehensive, culturally responsive interventions that effectively support IPV survivors.”
This understanding is not only paramount for effective intervention but also is key in crafting preventive measures. The study champions a systemic approach to IPV that goes beyond assessing immediate physical threats to include considerations of long-term economic stability, cultural awareness, and digital proficiency. By adopting this comprehensive stance, the study lays a foundation for not merely reacting to instances of IPV but actively seeking to prevent them, thus ensuring that Latinx women receive multifaceted support for their overall health and prosperity to consider the external economic and cultural factors that intersect and fuel the cycle of IPV.
Navigating Love in a Multiracial Context: Asian American Experiences
The study exploring the intricacies of intermarriage among Asian Americans sheds light on a critical aspect of our societal fabric — the merging of diverse cultures within the bonds of love. The qualitative study was conducted by a team of UMSSW PhD students and graduate research assistants including Yoonzie Chung, Haelim Lee, and Peiyuan Zhang and UMSSW professor Geoffrey Greif, PhD, MSW. The research, through candid interviews with 11 Asian Americans married to partners of a different race, unpacks the layers of cultural navigation, the nuances of language barriers, and the weight of racial dynamics. It highlights not only the pressures from society’s racialized landscape but also the internal family dynamics where white privilege may play a silent role. Yet, it’s not all about challenges; the study also celebrates the supportive and resilient nature of these unions, underscoring the strength found in diversity.
“By fostering open communication and acknowledging the unique cultural intersections, social workers can tailor their services to meet the distinct needs of each family,” Chung said. “This approach is beneficial for the cultivation of supportive environments that nurture the well-being of individuals in multiracial relationships.”
In the context of social work services, this research becomes a guide for practitioners toward a deeper cultural sensitivity. It illustrates the undeniable importance of recognizing and valuing societal differences within family units, urging social workers to go beyond mere recognition to actively incorporating this understanding into their practice. The study serves as a reminder that in a world rich with diversity, approach to care and support must be equally diverse and inclusive.
Black and White Marriages: A Dual Perspective
In a pivotal research initiative, Greif has delved into the intricate dynamics of Black men married to white women within the broader scope of America’s intense race relations. This study comes at a crucial time when interracial and interethnic marriages, which now represent over 10 percent of U.S. unions, are increasingly common, especially among the younger generation. The research provides invaluable insights into these relationships, particularly under the magnified racial scrutiny following the Black Lives Matter protests and the political climate of recent years.
The research team, composed of MSW students and faculty, conducted a detailed thematic analysis of interviews with 21 participants in interracial marriages. Through their findings, the study highlighted the importance of racial awareness, communication, and the specific challenges faced when navigating public spheres and familial interactions. These couples’ experiences reflect a broader societal context that influences their private lives and the racial socialization of their children, marking a significant area of interest for social work practitioners.
“Social workers should consider how they’re also working toward social change,” Greif said. “Self-awareness around the tropes of race and gender when we talk about Black men married to white women is crucial when social justice comes into therapy.”
The implications of the study are far-reaching, suggesting that a deeper understanding of the societal pressures and personal experiences of interracial couples can greatly inform social work practices. Such knowledge equips social workers to foster better communication within these marriages, helping partners to understand and navigate the complexities of race both within their relationships and in society at large. The study emphasizes that as white partners become more attuned to the societal treatment of their Black spouses, the need for racial education within the marriage may diminish, leading to a more comfortable navigation through the various facets of their lives together.