CISWH News: Prof. Jorge Delva Calls for More Actionable Social Work Research
In a recent interview, Prof. Jorge Delva from BU School of Social Work – and former director of the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health (CISWH) at BUSSW* – shared his thoughts on a research paper he co-authored on the topic of actionable social work research. He explained that after earning a seat at the table with other scientific research fields, social workers should never lose sight of their power to enact social change.
Excerpt from “Rethinking Social Work Research,” originally published by CISWH News:
Deans at different institutions are focused on different priorities. While one university may celebrate knowledge development activities that directly impact society, others are more focused on knowledge development for the purpose of journal publications. Prof. Delva calls for more conversations about the role research plays in social work both as a discipline and profession. With more institutions in the conversation, the pendulum can begin to swing back toward equilibrium.
Some deans, Prof. Delva noted, are starting to push for these discussions and many have welcomed it. But many don’t.
‘Some people have hinted that I’m trying to water down rigor in our scholarship, but I’m not arguing against rigor. I’ll always argue for the most rigor in the work we do. I’m arguing for the translation of that knowledge into something with more immediate impact,’ Prof. Delva explains.
Learn More About Prof. Delva’s Research
*The Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health (CISWH) is a research center within Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW). CISWH achieves its mission by building strategic partnerships with those working at the intersection of social work and public health. Leveraging the expertise of faculty and researchers across BU who focus on the social determinants of health and social justice, the center is committed to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations nationally and globally.