Value conflict resolution strategies of social work students in Turkey

Abstract

SummaryThe aim of this study is to examine various strategies of social work students for resolving conflicts between their personal and professional values in the atmosphere of rising conservatism in neoliberal Turkey. Grounded theory was chosen to reflect the feelings and thoughts of 34 students attending a creative drama-based group on critical value education designed by the researchers. Purposeful sampling was employed to identify the participants. Notes and memos, reflective diaries, in-group discussions and a semi-structured focus-group discussion were used to collect data. The data on the conflict resolving strategies of the students are discussed in detail within anti-oppressive perspective in social work practice, theory and education in a neoliberal and neoconservative Turkish context.FindingsThe study reveals three main categories of conflict resolution strategies: (1) “Suppression”: An uncomfortable way to neutralize personal values, (2) Stretching boundaries via “sanctification”, and (3) “Fatalism” and pussyfooting around the status-quo. Uncomfortable feelings and fears are the basic triggers of these strategies when personal and professional values are in conflict.ApplicationsThe study gives us insight about the necessity to be more emotionally reflective and powerful practitioners while challenging the uncomfortable feelings and fear triggered when personal and professional values are in conflict. We argue that we need to adopt anti-oppressive perspective in professional practice, theory and education to overcome conflicts between personal and professional values in a neoliberal context.