Now we're seeing that pendulum swing back again. Social work is much more about social justice and advocacy. The other change is in managed care-we're starting to see some social work activism reform that. Until now, unrealistic limitations have been placed in terms of how much therapy or how much inpatient treatment mentally ill people can have. In Iowa, things like depression are covered only up to a point, and eating disorders, which are rampant and can be life-threatening, are not covered.
People always ask that, and some are offended by the answer.
It takes discipline. Also, social workers develop terrible senses of humor-sort of like cops, surgeons or undertakers. I think people would be shocked if they heard the joking that takes place between two social workers. But you have to laugh sometimes because things are so bad. Northwestern's social work department received reaffirmation from the Council on Social Work Education in 1999.