A qualitative exploration of the career narratives of six South African Black social workers.

Abstract

The study explored the career narratives of six South African Black Social workers in the selected public hospitals. It explored their career development by having them narrate stories of how they came into the profession of Social workers. The study explored the contextual factors that influenced their career development. It attempted to understand the meanings South African Black Social workers attach to their career development process. The researcher has used Black to refer to Back Africans.

A qualitative research study was used to discover the career narratives of the South African Black Social workers who were research participants. Purposive sampling was used to locate and identify the six Social workers from Durban (KwaZulu-Natal). The participant’s narratives were explored using an interview schedule adapted from Frizelle (2002). The method of data analysis employed in the research study was Voice- centred relational method and Thematic Analysis to fully comprehend and appreciate the career development of these Social workers. Four major themes emerged during analysis and interpretation; 1) contextual factors that influence career narratives, 2) narratives on the contextual challenges to career development, 3) narratives on contextual factors that propel career development. Several recommendations for research and practice were put forward.