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Antiracist Policy Analysis: A Scoping Review to Inform Social Work Education and Practice

Steinberg, Sophia
Dillard, Karimah L.
Roth, Kassie
Billings, Gabrielle
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Abstract

As part of tackling racism, social workers would benefit from being able to identify and implement antiracist approaches to policy analysis. The aim of this study was to locate peer-reviewed or reputable sources that offer either explicit frameworks or built concepts that could inform antiracist policy analysis. We identified 561 sources; after screening out off-topic or irretrievable sources, 27 sources were included in this scoping review. Our charting process documented where we found each source, key publication details, the source’s aim/purpose, and key built concepts related to antiracist analysis. We detail common themes, including: (a) policy process; (b) history and problem definition; (c) policy content and decisions; (d) policy values and knowledge; (e) policy outcomes and effect; (f) implementation, evaluation, and accountability; and (g) analyst reflexivity. We conclude by discussing the compelling analytical considerations that emerged from this analysis, including creating pathways for community engagement; recognizing that racism is a constantly morphing problem requiring evolving solutions; questioning and revealing the intentions of those who draft, support, and implement policies perpetuating language that blames disadvantaged communities; understanding that racism intertwines with other injustices; and prompting self-reflection by analysts. We discuss the relevance for social work educators, students, practitioners, and community advocates.

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Date
2026-01-27
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Research Projects
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Keywords
anti-racist; scoping review; policy analysis; racism
Citation
Seelman, K. L., Steinberg, S., Konata, L. L., Dillard, K. L., Roth, K., Billings, G., & Beck, E. (2026). Antiracist Policy Analysis: A Scoping Review to Inform Social Work Education and Practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2025.2599836
Embargo Lift Date
2027-01-27
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