#WhiteSaviorComplex: Confidentiality, Human Dignity, Social Media, and Social Work Study Abroad

Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals

Y

11

Confidentiality; Social Media; Study Abroad; Human Dignity; Counselor Training; Social Work; Disadvantaged; Cultural Awareness; Professional Development; School Policy; Ethics; Computer Mediated Communication; North Americans; Universities; Case Studies; Foreign Countries; Developing Nations

10.1080/10437797.2021.1997685

1043-7797
2163-5811

Many American social work education programs now offer study abroad components, which provide significant advantages to students, including cross-cultural exposure, personal and professional development, and preparation for a globalizing profession. However, multiple ethical challenges are presented when North American (often White) students interact with vulnerable populations abroad, including the use of social media. We searched for relevant institutional social media policies and found very little, except those encouraging students to post often while traveling. We offer case studies of potential model policies for both North American based universities and international-based hosting sites. Finally, we argue that study abroad programs in general, and social media policies specifically, must center the dignity, worth, and best interests of vulnerable populations.

As Provided

2023

EJ1389804