Virginia: A Story of Conflict in Social Work Field Education

This article considers the case of Virginia, a social work practicum student who experienced conflict in her field placement, in light of Heilbrun's notion of liminality—that is, being poised on uncertain ground, leaving one condition or self and entering another. In addition, Virginia's experience is explored within the complex web of power and resistance that characterized her relationship with the field instructor, the agency director, and the school.