What is Macro Social Work?
Photo by Nitish Meena.
Macro social work refers to the practice of helping facilitate or create change in larger systems or community groups. Macro social work is different from what we often refer to as micro or mezzo social work—a type of social work practice with individuals, families, and smaller groups.
Examples of those an agency or organization engaged in macro social work could include:
• a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for affordable housing
• an agency that educates stakeholders about laws designed to protect them against illegal employment practices
• an international organization that documents human trafficking across multiple countries
• an organization that educates state government leaders about the problem of child abuse and neglect
• a healthcare organization that seeks to make quality healthcare more accessible for 80% of Americans
• a national organization that helps to promote educational reform for underserved families for whom English is not their primary language
Organizations Engaged in Macro Social Work
Many organizations employ social workers in leadership or advocacy roles. While well-known organizations such as the American National Red Cross, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Meals on Wheels may engage in micro, mezzo, and macro social work, social workers in macro roles will focus on creating change in larger systems rather than working with individuals or families. These systems may include communities of marginalized individuals, tribal reservations, underserved groups, or other stakeholders representing bigger groups of individuals facing common problems.
Some social work students and social workers naturally gravitate toward larger, meaningful missions or causes where they can use their strengths and talents to create change for many people at once.
The Social Worker in the Macro Agency
Cara developed a love for immigrant families early in life when she saw a news story one evening on her family’s television. She majored in sociology as an undergraduate and got excited when she learned about macro social work after a social worker involved in immigration reform came to speak to one of her classes when she was a junior. Cara applied to an MSW program in her state and started her journey in learning more about the work she believed could make a difference for thousands of children and families in her state.
Cara graduated with an MSW degree, became licensed in her state, and worked locally at an agency where she taught English and connected immigrant families with educational and vocational resources. A year later, she applied to law school and was accepted. She decided to specialize in immigration law and identified several national nonprofit organizations that shared her personal and professional values. These organizations could put her in front of law and policy makers who were in a position to make a lasting difference. During her summer and winter breaks, she began to volunteer with one organization and was eventually hired upon graduation. Her social work skills, education, and values helped make her a stronger law student and gave her the tools she needed as she began to professionally advocate for others.
Are You Interested in Macro Social Work?
The social work field offers opportunities to help individuals, families, small groups, and even larger systems. Macro social work may be a fit for those individuals who want to create systemic changes in their communities, state—or throughout the world.
Ask yourself:
• What causes leave me feeling energized, excited, and hopeful?
• Do I want to be a part of a larger agency or nonprofit organization?
• Am I ready to take on a bigger challenge that may take years to accomplish?
• Will I miss working with individuals and smaller groups?
• Would I benefit from finding a mentor who works in macro social work?
For More Information about Macro Work
Reading peer-reviewed articles about macro social work can be a great way to start learning more. I can also recommend macro work advocate Marthea Pitts’s terrific podcast called Macro Social Work Your Way.
If you are looking for current opportunities in macro social work, check out this link.