Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Martha J. Markward

Abstract

Active-duty women in the military seek help through the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) on military bases from social workers with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) who are hired by the federal government or by firms that contract with social workers to serve military personnel. Most of those social workers have no military background per se, which brings into question how being aware of the military culture might influence their practice with female military personnel. Grounded in self-awareness theory, which places focus on one's awareness relative to one's culture and environment at any time, the purpose of this action research study was to explore the influence of awareness of military culture on social workers in their practice with female military personnel, especially as it relates to the combat experience of active-duty women. Seven social workers employed in FAPs on three United States Air Force bases were interviewed. Data were collected and analyzed using constant comparison and thematic analysis to identify common themes, trends, and patterns that may have policy and practice implications for increasing awareness of the military culture among MSW social workers in FAP. Findings indicate social workers help female military personnel take advantage of and benefit from the social and economic opportunities the military offers them. The implication for positive social change is for social workers employed in FAPs across all service branches to address military cultural to provide female military personnel with better services, especially those who have served and/or who will serve in combat where male bias is most prevalent.

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