Breaking the Chains: Understanding the Damaging Effects of Institutional Betrayal in Social Work

This pilot study explores social workers’ challenges in implementing antiracist policies within their organizations. The researchers utilized critical consciousness and institutional betrayal to delve into the complex power dynamics within social work organizations. The experiences of seven frontline social workers were explored through narrative interviews, which revealed a misalignment between social work values and organizational culture. Social workers observed racism in their organizations, inadequate organizational antiracist efforts, poor representation of diversity in leadership, poor antiracism training in social work education, and reported experiencing institutional betrayal. All were positioned in agencies that did not consistently uphold the NASW Code of Ethics. The findings suggest that social workers are experiencing institutional betrayal through domineering systems, which impedes their antiracism practices.