Social work education in Aotearoa New Zealand: A difficult journey for student caregivers

INTRODUCTION: Emerging research suggests that students who care for children, the sick, disabled or the elderly are a marginalised and hidden group in social work education. A recent study explored how the wellbeing of 16 female social work student caregivers was impacted by their engagement in tertiary studies and considered the factors that motivated and sustained these students on their educational journey.METHODS: From a mixed-method study investigating the social and financial impacts of study on the wellbeing of social work students in Aotearoa New Zealand, data were extracted relating to the needs and experiences of social work students and recent graduates who are also caregivers. Data from semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed to produce an overarching theme that contained three sub-themes.FINDINGS: Findings reveal that, for some caregivers, studying social work was a journey that required considerable sacrifice to their personal and financial wellbeing. Findings also point to the remarkable capacity student caregivers had to overcome adversity, and even thrive through their experiences, by drawing on their collective strengths and sense of purpose.CONCLUSIONS: Social work practice rests on the foundational principle of social justice. This research challenges social work education providers and governing bodies to apply this principle when considering the inequities that are faced by students who are also caregivers. Students with caregiving responsibilities need to be prepared for the significant personal and financial costs of their education, particularly about field placement.