‘Even when you know what’s going on, you still feel small. Powerless … ’: using photovoice to understand social work students’ perceptions of political powerlessness

Abstract

The role of politics in social work, and vice versa, is a long-contested issue, particularly in the United Kingdom where the profession has been shaped by neoliberalism. This study examines political awareness among social work students in Scotland using Photovoice methodology. Students shared and discussed photographs they deemed relevant to political social work. Thematic analysis revealed six key themes: (1) Powerlessness and the Need for Agency; (2) Global Inequality, Conflict and Poverty; (3) ‘Always Watching’: Government Surveillance and Interference; (4) Social Isolation and Fragmentation: Lack of Community Support; (5) ‘Trick or Treat’: Distrust in Government Policies and Agendas; and (6) Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. Findings reveal a pervasive sense of powerlessness among social work students, coupled with recognition of the extensive and multifaceted nature of political issues. The results highlight the profession’s struggle with limited political agency and the overwhelming scope of political problems that affect social work. The study evidences a need for reexamination of social work education, particularly in equipping future social workers with the skills to navigate and influence complex political landscapes. We conclude that addressing the political dimensions of social work is crucial for empowering social workers and enhancing their ability to advocate for systemic change.