Graduation Term

Fall 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration

Committee Chair

Perry Schoon

Committee Member

Gavin Weiser

Committee Member

Diane Zosky

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how white students chose social work as a major and how white savior ideology reinforced or challenged students’ choices. The study contributes to a gap in the literature regarding white saviorism and social work education. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five undergraduate social work students at one Midwestern state university. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using Moustakas’ data analysis for phenomenology framework. The findings revealed that participants chose social work because of an intent to help others, as well as a desire for their work to have a meaningful impact. White saviorism ideology was both reinforced and challenged. The study highlighted the need for social work education to include racial identity development, as well as enhanced macro content.

Access Type

Dissertation-Open Access

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