Social Work Spirituality Study

Religion and spirituality have a great influence on many people’s lives including which career they choose to go into. This influence is what many refer to as their “calling,” which is essentially what they feel is their purpose in life. However, it’s important to think about how much R/S influences these types of decisions such as career choice because it could have a great impact on an individual. In the article “Spirituality and Religiosity: Their Effects on Undergraduate Social Work Career Choice” a study is done to analyze this influence between different groups of people and if R/S is a main motivator in career choice (specifically social work) or if there are other factors that have a greater influence than R/S. The two samples in
Just because faith isn’t a significant motivator for career choice, this isn’t true for everyone and it can definitely be an influence on other motivations. Referring back to earlier, these results also aren’t a good representation of a population, but rather a small sample of a mid-southern state. The results could be very different if the majority were a different religion, gender, or age. In addition, It’s important to see how much R/S affects not only someone personally but also academically or professionally. As social workers, we’re taught to encourage spirituality with clients, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our own R/S. It’s just as important for us to empower our clients as it is to empower
However, I still believe social work is my “calling” not because of my beliefs but because of my past and who I’ve become as a person. My motivation is the same as many others, to help others and to make a difference, this just isn’t influenced by my own R/S. Despite my own reasons for going into social work though, I still find it important to be respecting of others beliefs personally, academically, and professionally. Wherever I end up in life, I aim to work at a place that allows more openness and acceptance of their employees when it comes to culture and R/S. This I see as not only benefitting many individuals, but the workplace overall to make it a more positive and competent