Performing as a ‘wise person’ in social work practice

Abstract

Analysis of a case study using Pawson et al.'s (2003) typology of knowledge in social work practice shows that different types of knowledge may be used in different phases in an interaction, the informal use of researched knowledge, knowledge derived from the practitioner and agency, acceptance of the worker's role by users and the importance of the organisational context as a frame for acceptance of the worker's expertise. It is argued that while social work knowledge and theory is integral to all social work practice, it is embodied in the worker, in an improvised interpersonal performance with users in the agency context, which promotes acceptance of the worker as a ‘wise person’ and that research into the improvisation of embodied performance should inform social work practice.