If you have a genuine desire to make a positive impact on individuals and communities, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support and advocate for those in need.
As a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduate, you learn about child welfare, criminal justice, and mental health. You study the values, theories, and ethics of social work.
In 2021, there were more than 708,000 social work job openings in America. It proves that you have chosen a wise and demanding career option.
You must stay ahead of your fellow aspirants to succeed in a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. For that, you need to buy and read books outside your curriculum. In this blog, we will discuss the books you should read while getting your MSW degree.
Why Should You Read Books Beyond Your Curriculum?
Anyone with a BSW degree can enroll in online advanced standing MSW programs. This part-time program allows you to balance your professional and personal lives. For instance, you do not have to spend time on regular classes or clinical duties.
According to Cleveland State University, there will be a 9% employment growth in social work by 2031. Hence, this is the best time for an MSW degree to advance your career and get a good-paying job.
Apart from academic materials, you will need extracurricular books to help you stay focused on your goal. These might not be course materials, but they will help you stay organized and better understand the curriculum. It can support your education and give you a unique perspective on social work.
Some might assist you with your dissertations and assignments, and others will give you insight into human behavior. However, the usefulness of the recommended books mentioned below is subjective.
Even then, every social work student should buy at least one or two of these books as they are valuable resources. You can read them whenever you are on study breaks.
3 Books Aspiring Social Workers Should Have
Usually, social workers assist people with various mental and physical issues. For instance, you will help patients deal with depression, eating disorders, social anxiety, etc. While the MSW curriculum teaches you everything, you should not put a cap on learning.
Look at the three best books for social work aspirants and choose the ones that resonate with you.
#1. The Bully Society: School Shootings & the Crisis of Bullying
Written by Jessie Klien, it deals with the recent increase in school violence cases. The author paints a picture of how students perceive school violence as an act to showcase masculinity. She perfectly depicts how students are misguided towards aggression in hopes of gaining popularity.
She also highlights the underlying causes of substance abuse, depression, suicide, and anxiety in students. As an MSW aspirant, you can learn how to deal with gender policing and emotional damage caused by parenting issues. This book allows you to re-experience the dark side of high school.
#2. Saving Normal: An Insider’s Revolt Against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis
Saving Normal, written by Allen Frances, is a must-have book for MSW aspirants. The author spearheaded the anti-DSM-5 efforts. Therefore, his book delves deeper and reveals the true face of psychiatric diagnosis. He carefully paints a picture of how overdiagnosis is ruining lives.
He also unveils overmedication as an underrated issue in the medical industry. This book will let you form opinions on these issues. The book also criticizes DSM-5, leading you to develop a clear clinical judgment.
#3. Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America
This book is Elizabeth Wurtzel’s best-selling memoir. She powerfully portrays her journey through the clutches of depression and the purgatory associated with it. It became a cultural touchstone for many.
You can have a first-hand experience as you delve deeper into someone’s mind as they deal with depression. Wurtzel poured her heart out in this book as she explained her experiences with therapy, medication, and hospitalization. As a social work aspirant, you can understand the social impact of depression by stepping into Wurtzel’s life.
The Bottom Line
According to Zippia, there are over 187,402 social workers employed in America. Ideally, licensed social workers prefer working with private companies because they pay better than the government.
You can choose which sector you want to work in when you get your license. After getting your master’s degree, you can offer social support to people in need. With your help, these people will have someone to turn to in times of crisis. Additionally, you can help with their personality development, spread awareness, and enhance their quality of life.
You can change someone’s life if you are dedicated to the cause. But remember to keep the books handy for reference and motivation.