about jaeran kim
This blog is a place to explore, discover, and think aloud about social work practice, research, ethics, theory, education and policy
As a self-described late-bloomer, I “discovered” social work in my mid-thirties. Currently, I am a graduate student working towards a Ph.D. in social work. This blog is a place for me to explore, discover, and basically think aloud about social work – practice issues, research (especially insider/outsider themes), ethics, theory, education and policy and politics.
I think a lot about social work history and current social work issues. I question whether my chosen profession is more about social control than social justice. I think a lot about race, power, privilege and the impact “professionalization” has had on marginalized and disadvantaged populations.
As a first generation immigrant to the United States, a person of color, a feminist, a former recipient of child welfare and social work services (in two countries), a mother of two (including one with Asperger’s Syndrome) – all of these experiences impact my social work perspective.
This blog is the place where I will process my thoughts, opinions and feelings about being a social worker and about social work education and about being a future social work researcher and teacher some day.
I think of a blog as a “sandbox” because it’s a place to explore and discover. What I’ll be expressing here are my thoughts and ideas and opinions about things. I don’t claim to have all the answers or any of them.
Because I’ve had problems in the past with comments on my other blog, I ask that visitors here be respectful, play nice with each other, and have the same spirit of discovery and self-reflection. Comments will be moderated to prevent spam and trolls, but will otherwise be published as long as they are respectful to others.
“Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world’s estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.”
– Susan B. Anthony
