Ageism and Racism: Two Issues in Social Work Education and Practice

This paper identifies and discusses specific strategies for incorporating information relevant to the effects of racism and ageism in our society into the curricula of social work programs. Content related to the existing policies, programs, and the special needs of the aged, including the minority aged, should be integrated into the class and field experiences of social work students and practitioners. The importance of positively altering existing perceptions of the strengths and needs of groups subject to the jeopardies of age and race is emphasized.