National Association of Social Workers

Social Workers Focus on Work With Men

'Men and Women Experience Human Services Differently'

Organizers are planning to host another conference in 2009.

By Lyn Stoesen, News Staff

Ilustration: John Michael Yanson

As researchers and practitioners have explored gender roles in society, many have begun to focus on the socialization that men experience and the ways it can affect their physical, social and mental health. Social workers are among those recognizing the need to approach working with men with attention to the particular coping mechanisms they use when facing challenges.

First annual conference. The First Annual National Conference on Social Work With and For Men, "Caring, Sharing and Preparing to Serve," was held April 28-29 at the University of Alabama. The event drew about 100 participants. The conference was coordinated by professors Jordan Kosberg and Barbara Chandler, with support from the dean of the school, James "Ike" Adams.

Kosberg said this first conference was designed with a broad focus on social work with men, looking at general issues without targeting a particular group, problem area or practice setting. "We wanted to give folks a feel for the diversity of the issues, with the plan that subsequent conferences would focus on particular themes," he said.

Kosberg said that his interest in social work with men grew out his work in gerontology. "I began focusing on aging and older men and it blossomed into more of a lifespan perspective, looking at boys all the way to older men." He also co-authored, with Ike Adams, an article about social work and men in the Encyclopedia of Social Work, 20th Edition.

NASW was represented at the conference by Alphonso Gibbs Jr., who staffs the association's health disparities in end of life care project, and Rebecca Myers, special assistant to the executive director. Gibbs presented on "Men's Health: Why NASW? Why Not?" and chaired a session addressing social work education. Myers offered a welcome to participants during the opening session of the conference.

Men's culture. Lenard Kaye, a professor in the University of Maine School of Social Work, offered a plenary address at the conference. His session addressed "Providing Assistance to Men Facing Life Course Challenges."

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From June 2008 NASW News. © 2008 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.