What is <i>social</i> about social work?

Authors

  • Martin O’Brien

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v11i2.433

Keywords:

<i>social work</i>, <i>social theory</i>, <i>social change</i>

Abstract

It has been argued that the applied nature of social work renders the appreciation of social theory by practitioners as unnecessary. This paper takes issue with this controversial stance and shows how social work itself can not be understood outside of the social context in which it is located. This social context, however, is said to be changing: the world in which we currently inhabit is vastly different to that of our immediate forbears. This has prompted social work theorists to consider the implications for the profession and the role of practitioners. This paper reflects upon the underpinning principles of the competing perspectives and concludes that, given the complexities involved as well as the responsibilities with which social workers are charged, social theory is an essential component of the practitioner’s education.

References

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Published

2012-12-26

How to Cite

O’Brien, M. (2012). What is <i>social</i> about social work?. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 11(2), 5-19. https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v11i2.433

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2004): Number 2 / 2004

Section

Articles

License

Copyright lies with the journal. Enquiries regarding reproduction should be sent in the first place to enquiries@whitingbirch.net
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