Social Work's Professional Mistake

Confusing Status for Control and Losing Both

Bibliographic Data

ID11342248
AuthorsGary Lowe (Western Michigan University, corresponding author), Gary R Lowe
Year1987
Volume14
Issue2
Publication date1987-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0191-5096 • E-ISSN: 0191-5096
PublisherWMU Department of Occupational Therapy (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.15453/0191-5096.1815
OpenAlexW202179467
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited15

The dimensions of control and power supporting monopoly are central to the professional notion. These factors are implicit in the attribute professional formulation traditionally put forth and adopted by Social Work. This paper asserts that social work leadership between 1915 and 1952 misunderstood or ignored these crucial dynamics. This "mistake" led to practice methodology (casework) and educational policies (graduate-only) that sought status rather than occupational control. This flawed analysis split the occupation in its formative years. The article concludes that the result has been social work's inability to gain professional standing

Control (management · Economics · Formative assessment · Management · Mistake · Monopoly · Pedagogy · Political science · Power (physics · Public relations · Social control · Social science · Sociology · Work (physics · Engineering · Law · Social Work Education and Practice

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access