Macro Level Advocacy Social Work

The field of social work encompasses the need for action and change. Social work practitioners advocate for and facilitate change at various levels of society, including individuals (micro), small groups or communities (mezzo), and organizations or government (macro). Macro-level advocacy and intervention efforts work to address problems of diverse populations, such as issues of civil rights and equality, and achieve systemic change. By intervening at the macro-level, social workers are often able to orchestrate greater change at the micro level. In order to do so, they must demonstrate an ability to effectively engage in policy analysis and practice. Practitioners must be able to identify specific problems and critically evaluate relevant
Approximately 6.2 percent of the state population is hourly workers, compared to the national average of 4.3 percent (Fayola, 2015). Nearly 112,000 of these workers earn minimum wages (Chu, 2014). Women and minorities are most likely to be employed in low-wage jobs, as women account for over half of minimum wage earners (The Leadership Conference, 2001; Chu 2014). Contrary to popular belief, the majority of low-wage workers are over the age of 20 years and do not work in the retail industry (Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, 2014). Additionally, 46 percent have at least some college education (NVAHA, 2014). Diverse subgroups of workers are affected and experience an array of problems as a result of the present mandated
Low-wage earners are often subjected to economic discrimination and marginalization on the basis of their age, race, education level, and socioeconomic status (The Leadership Conference, 2001). Unequal and unsustainable pay serves as an infringement of civic equality, as it fosters subjugation and oppression. Workers who earn minimum wage experience diminished economic freedom, as they encounter lesser opportunity and a decreased quality of life (Brooks,