E(raced): Race and Use of Self Amongst BIPOC Social Workers

Use of self is defined as the social worker’s instrument, and involves an intentional engagement of one’s personhood in ways that facilitate client change (Heyt & Sherman, 2005). Yet the process of racialization within white supremacy impacts the practice experience of historically minoritized racial groups. This racialization informs the ways practitioners are able to use self in practice, however the research literature has not explored use of self from the perspective of BIPOC social workers, and has not discussed its connection to both Critical Race Theory and Social Identity Theory. In this study, twenty-seven social work practitioners were interviewed to answer the research question: what are the components of use of self, as defined by BIPOC social workers? Findings indicate that self-disclosure, race, and agency context were aspects of use of self. Race and racism affected perceptions of using self because participant bodies were stereotyped, and they faced heightened scrutiny in their work. Study findings highlight social work’s need to incorporate historically marginalized viewpoints when discussing concepts like use of self.