Students and Feminists: A Case Study of the Placement Experience at Brisbane Women's House 1974–1984

The purpose of this paper is to document the experience of the Department of Social Work at the University of Queensland in attempting to incorporate an awareness of sexism and gender inequality in the curriculum. The case study relates to the experience of the Department's Women's Issues Unit in placing students at Brisbane Women's House. Historically, the development of the Unit and Women's House was related and complementary. Yet analysis reveals ambiguity at all levels of relationship, within the House, within the Women's Issues Unit and within the Department of Social Work. It highlights some of the issues confronted and some of the frustrations involved in developing a feminist framework for social work practice. It also reaffirms the value of the placement experience for future practitioners.