Mature-aged social work students: challenges, study realities, and experiences of poverty

Baglow, Len, and Gair, Susan (2019) Mature-aged social work students: challenges, study realities, and experiences of poverty. Australian Social Work, 72 (1). pp. 91-104.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2018.15...
 
19
3


Abstract

There has been a substantial increase in mature-aged students enrolled in higher education in recent decades. Equally, mature-aged women, often with family responsibilities, are well represented in social work degree programs. In this article, the findings from the National Study of Social Work Students (NSSWS) are examined in relation to mature-age students to better understand their study experiences, and factors that may be impeding their ability to take advantage of a university education. What is clear from the data is that many mature-age social work students were experiencing poverty at higher rates than their younger counterparts who were themselves financially struggling at higher than average rates for domestic Australian tertiary students. Here, mature-age social work students’ experiences and perspectives are presented using quantitative data and students’ own qualitative responses. The results have important implications for social work educators and administrators, and wider policy ramifications regarding student equity

Item ID: 56476
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1447-0748
Keywords: social work; social work education; poverty; students; family responsibilities
Copyright Information: Copyright © 2018 Australian Association of Social Workers
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2018 22:09
FoR Codes: 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440999 Social work not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9299 Other Health > 929999 Health not elsewhere classified @ 80%
93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 20%
Downloads: Total: 3
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page