Comparison of Social Justice Advocacy Levels of Social Workers Working in Public Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the levels of social justice advocacy of social workers working in public and non-governmental organizations (NGO). In the analysis of the data, quantitative methods of t-test, correlation, and ANOVA analyzes were used, and 100 social workers were participated in the study. Results of study reveal that social workers’ social justice advocacy, collaborative action, client empowerment, and client/community advocacy levels are high, and social/political advocacy levels are medium. Accordingly, social justice advocacy and collaborative action levels of social workers differ significantly whether they work in public or non-governmental organizations. In addition, social justice advocacy and the subscales differ significantly according to gender, being a member of an NGO, and receiving advocacy training from outside of the university. Also, there is a significant relationship between social justice advocacy with the subscales and working times in the public and non-governmental sectors. In line with the results obtained, by investigating the factors affecting the social justice advocacy levels of social workers working in public institutions and non-governmental organizations; it is recommended to carry out studies to strengthen and improve the social workers and the field.