Doing' Social Work

Critical Considerations on Theory and Practice in Social Work

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2501293
AutoresM Herz (0000-0002-6555-3875, Örebro University, autor correspondente), Thomas Johansson (0000-0003-1798-570X)
Ano2012
Volume13
Fascículo3
Páginas527-540
Data de publicação2012-06-26
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAdvances in Social Work (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1527-8565 • E-ISSN: 2331-4125
EditoraIUPUI University Library (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18060/1976
OpenAlexW2140602576
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas12
Referências citadas28

Social work is a multi-dimensional and contradictory field of practice, which often leads to theoretical confusion. Another tendency within social work today is the development of an evidence-based practice. This kind of social engineering, together with the theoretical confusion, might lead to the reproduction and strengthening of dominant discourses and perspectives. Pointing out the need for critical theory to transgress and resist hegemonic practices, the article aims to present ideas on how to theoretically position social work practice within a framework of critical theory. The question is how to combine an ambition to develop suitable methods and to anchor social work in a sound social-scientific context with critical theories concerning, for instance, gender, ethnicity, and class. It is suggested that a movement towards a more deconstructive and reflexive mode of thinking and practicing social work, 'doing social work', would enable the field to become more ethical and reflexive

Critical practice · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Political science · Reflexivity · Social change · Social philosophy · Social position · Social relation · Social science · Sociology · Engineering · Homelessness and Social Issues · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Social Psychology · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work