Abstract
The literature is void of scholarship on the integration of Catholic Social Thought (CST) and social work. While social work has been historically devoted to helping those who are marginalized and oppressed and recognizes the impact of religion/spirituality on those served, there are almost no articles published that link CST and social work pedagogy and practice. This article identifies why there is a natural fit between CST and social work values. Mother Teresa is presented as an exemplar of CST in action and an inspiration for further integration of CST into social work education. This integration is needed to help social work continue to center those on the periphery, namely those who are marginalized, vulnerable, and oppressed. An innovative interdisciplinary initiative operating at one university in the United States is described as an example of how Catholic studies and social work are complementary, and formal and informal linkages should be encouraged in the future. The ways in which scholarship in CST and social work can inform one another are presented to assist faculty and students to advance supports to those on the periphery.
Recommended Citation
Nicotera, Anthony; Apgar, Dawn; and Murzaku, Ines
(2023)
"Centering those on the periphery: Mother Teresa as exemplar of Catholic Social Thought (CST) and social work core commitments to dignity, service, and justice,"
Journal of Vincentian Social Action: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/jovsa/vol7/iss1/7
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