Castells, Power and Social Work
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10898752 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Roger Smith (0000-0003-4720-0280, De Montfort University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2013 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 1545-1561 |
| Publication date | 2013-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal of Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0045-3102 • E-ISSN: 1468-263X |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjsw/bcs073 |
| OpenAlex | W2034234017 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 9 |
This article reflects on the important sociological contribution made by Manuel Castells. The potential implications for social work theory and practice are considered, especially in relation to his theories of networks and power. The article acknowledges Castells's thesis that we are witnessing a ‘transformational’ phase in social development, as ‘networks’ become fundamentally significant as a vehicle for ordering and shaping human lives. The interactions within and between social networks are considered, especially in relation to the domains of social work practice, and their inevitable concerns with processes of inclusion/exclusion and oppression. In light of these reflections, Castells's typology of network/power is introduced, and the relationship between structural and relational aspects of the typology is considered. The capacity of power-infused networks to construct and organise people's experiences is acknowledged, as are the implications for those who use social work services, and are often the objects rather than the subjects of power relations. Set against this are arguments for the potential to develop forms of ‘resistance’, for instance through ‘network-making’; this is exemplified by reference to social work practice. The article concludes with positive messages for the social work project, to the extent that practitioners are able to adopt a capacity-building role.
Construct (python library) · Epistemology · Oppression · Political science · Politics · Power (physics) · Public relations · Relation (database) · Social media · Social network (sociolinguistics) · Social science · Sociology · Transformational leadership · Typology · Computer Science · Homelessness and Social Issues · Law · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Social Work Education and Practice
Reimagining the Relationship between Social Work and Information Communication Technology in the Network Society
History as a Resource for the Future
‘We Have a Common Goal’
Developing a typology of mobile phone usage in social care
Networks of power and counterpower in social work with children and families in England
Social Work in the Digital Era
The usual suspects?
Some Reflections on Manuel Castells’ Book “Communication Power”
Preventing Social Exclusion of Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children
Social work’s ‘electronic turn’
The Impact of the 2005 Mental Capacity Act on Social Workers' Decision Making and Approaches to the Assessment of Risk
Unravelling Social Capital
The Descriptive Tyranny of the Common Assessment Framework
Social Work and the Changing Face of the Digital Divide
| Unique citing works | 6 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,5 |
| Citation span | 2014 - 2022 (9) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |