Guest Editorial Populism: A challenge for groupwork?

Dave Ward

doi:10.1921/gpwk.v26i2.1031

Authors

Dave Ward De Montfort University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v26i2.1031

Abstract

Populism is a word of the moment. It is cited and linked with
Trump’s ascendency to the presidency in the USA, Brexit in the UK,
Marine Le Pen’s challenge in France, Duterte’s brutal regime in the
Philippines, to name a few. It is said to reflect a resurgence of the
will of an erstwhile excluded section of the citizenry, newly inspired,
energised and empowered to ensure that their self-defined needs and
interests are taken into account and actually met by national leaders
and governments. This description resonates uncannily with the
democratic values espoused by groupwork (Abels and Garvin, 2010)
and, especially those of self-directed and social action groupwork
(Mullender, Ward, Fleming, 2013). Is there an issue; if so, what do
we need to consider; what might we do? I am looking to provoke
response and debate.

Author Biography

Dave Ward, De Montfort University

Professor of Social and Community Studies

References

Abels, P. and Garvin, C. (2010). Standards for social work practice with groups (2nd edition). Alexandria, VA: Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups

Faulkner, D. (1995) ‘The Criminal Justice Act 1991: Policy, legislation and practice. in D. Ward and M. Lacey (Eds.) Probation: Working for Justice. London: Whiting and Birch

Fleming, J and Ward, D (2013). ‘Facilitation and groupwork tasks in self-directed groupwork’, Groupwork, 23, 2, 48-66

Fook, J. (2002) Social work: critical theory and practice, London: Sage

Mudde, C. (2015) ‘Europe Opinion: The problem with populism’, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/17/problem-populism-syriza-podemos-dark-side-europe, accessed 16/04/16

Mullender, A, Ward, D, Fleming, J, 2013, Empowerment in Action: Self-directed Groupwork, Basingstoke: Palgrave

Pullen Sansfacon, A. and Ward, D. (2014) Making inter-professional working work: Introducing a groupwork perspective. British Journal of Social Work, 44, 5, 284-300

Sennett, R, 2007, The Culture of New Capitalism, New Haven: Yale University Press

Trevithick, P. (2005) ‘The knowledge base of groupwork and its importance within social work’, Groupwork, 15, 2, 80-107

Wright Mills, C. (1970) The Sociological Imagination., Harmondsworth: Penguin