Social Work’s Contribution to Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups

An Institutionalist Perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID10535103
AuthorsJeanne C Marsh (0000-0001-6289-4474, University of Chicago, corresponding author), Mary Bunn (0000-0001-8464-7888, University of Chicago)
Year2018
Volume92
Issue4
Pages647-692
Publication date2018-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Service Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0037-7961 • E-ISSN: 1537-5404
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1086/701639
OpenAlexW2906946254
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited58

Social work’s contribution to direct practice has evolved over time as a function of political, economic, and social change in the United States. From an institutionalist perspective, social work is defined by the tasks it seeks to accomplish, the knowledge base supporting those tasks, and the vertical and horizontal architecture of its roles and activities. This article defines direct practice social work as interpersonal work with individuals, families, and groups to provide and manage the delivery of health and social services. Social work’s distinctive contributions to direct practice include (a) its differential focus on the person in environment and (b) an overriding commitment to social justice. The diversity and evolving nature of social work direct practice challenge the profession to continue research and knowledge development and to organize rigorous and relevant research and training programs into the next century

Diversity (politics · Function (biology · Pedagogy · Perspective (graphical · Political science · Public relations · Social change · Social learning · Social relation · Social science · Sociology · Work (physics · Computer Science · Homelessness and Social Issues · Law · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Social Psychology · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work

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