1,721,061 research outputs found
Social work: critical theory and practice
No full textThis is a text which is organised with a reflective approach to social work. The discussion and description of theories and practices is interspersed with exercises, which serve to engage the reader in an interactive thinking process. Author is from Deakin University
The Reflective Researcher: Social Workers' Theories of Practice Research
No full textHow do we reconcile the gap between research theory and the reality of social work practice? How can a social work research methodology be developed which is relevant to the workplace?This innovative collection approaches social work research from the 'bottom' up. Instead of starting with theory, it starts with practice, showing how a research methodology can be developed from actual experience.Using a 'reflective' approach, The Reflective Researcher demonstrates a variety of ways of working with research methods and theory. The contributors deal with both qualitative and quantitative methods, and show how a range of theories including feminism and poststructuralism can be integrated into research.Written in an unpretentious and engaging style, The Reflective Researcher is a valuable reference for social work practitioners, researchers and students.Jan Fook lectures in the Graduate School of Social Work at La Trobe University, Melbourne. She is the author of Radical Casework.The Reflective Researcher will encourage social workers and researchers alike to explore the fruitful relationship between research based practice and practice based research. Professor Juliet Cheetham, University of Stirling reverses the dominant hierarchical relation between 'theory' and 'practice' and demonstrates in a clear and liberating way how the subjugated knowledge of social work practitioners can challenge scientistic and deductive thinking. Professor Peter Leonard, McGill University
Social work research in Australia
No full textAbstract
What are the main trends in Australian social work research, and where should it be heading? This article discusses these questions and their implications for social work education in Australia. The current Australian context presents both challenges and opportunities to the undertaking of social work research. Although jobs are threatened by de-professionalisation, with less room for research, there remains a strong discourse about the needs and value of research, which is underpinned by the requirements of the professional accrediting body. There is also clear support for a range of methods and approaches which allow for more integration of research and practice. In addition, current research undertaken by Australian social workers demonstrates a mixture of methods. It is concluded that the Australian situation holds the potential to provide leadership in developing more inclusive methods and approaches to foster the development of more complex forms of practice research
Theorizing from practice: towards an inclusive approach for social work research
No full textPractitioner researchers often experience difficulties in understanding and using the plethora of approaches to the ways in which practice can be theorized, and mistakenly feel they must be committed to one main approach. In this article I argue that an inclusive approach to the many different methods is crucial to social work. I develop this approach by describing, in broad terms, the major different approaches to theorizing and the methods associated with this. I begin by relating an inclusive approach to the changes in knowledge-making becoming recognized with postmodernism. I then develop an inclusive approach by examining three major areas: what theory is; how it is generated; and who it should be generated by. I end by arguing that an inclusive approach best fits the range of practice which social workers wish to research, but that it must include research of the 'tacit' knowledge of practitioners. <br/
Empowerment: A Contextual Perspective
No full textSocial Work: A Critical Turn is both an introduction to critical social work and an examination of current theory and practice. This volume features contributions from an international group of scholars who define the main theoretical underpinnings of a critical approach to social work and examine innovative practice methods using this approach. Social Work: A Critical Turn situates critical social work within a theoretical context, comparing it with postmodernist, radical, feminist, anti-racist and structural approaches. It also reviews key issues that require further development in critical social work theory, practice and research. [Book Synopsis
The quest for a universal social work
No full textWhat debates and issues are involved in moves to generalise about social work across the globe? This paper attempts to examine some of these major debates and, in so doing, to suggest some directions for a flexible approach. Crucial to these debates are several tensions around the issues of Westernisation, localisation and indigenisation in social work. It is also important to seek clarity around the complexities of international social work. The political implications involved in these movements are discussed and possible approaches to finding a flexible framework which allows for differences yet provides for accountability, responsiveness and connectivity are suggested
Transforming Social Work Practice: Postmodern Critical Perspectives
No full textTransforming Social Work Practice shows that postmodern theory offers new strategies for social workers concerned with political action and social justice. It explores ways of developing practice frameworks, paradigms and principles which take advantage of the perspectives offered by postmodern theory without totally abandoning the values of modernity and the Enlightenment project of human emancipation. Case studies demonstrate how these perspectives can be applied to practice
Challenges of critical reflection: nothing ventured, nothing gained
No full textThis paper arises from the experiences of the authors in providing critical reflection training to social workers and health professionals. It examines the cultural challenges involved in undertaking critical reflection, and how such challenges may contribute to learning. We examine the nature of some of these risks and what might be at stake, and how we as educators might manage these in the interests of better learning. First we discuss the concept of critical reflection and the particular approach we take. We then analyse the nature of some of the risks involved by examining the cultural challenges that are at stake. Lastly we posit some strategies to reduce risk and maximise learning. We outline three major types of cultural assumptions which are challenged by critical reflection. These include assumptions regarding interpersonal communication and dialogue, professional helping and workplace cultures, and regarding knowledge, learning, research and the place of emotions. The implications of these challenges include: the appropriateness of critical reflection for all types of learners; the need for emotional preparation for the critical reflection process; the need to emphasise the professional learning purposes; the need to clarify the use of self-disclosure; and the need to set up an appropriate alternative cultural environment for the purpose of critical reflection
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