Toward a Definition of Feminist Social Work: A Comparison of Liberal, Radical, and Socialist Models

Abstract

THE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT in the past 2 decades has forced social workers and social service institu tions to become responsive to the special situation of women in society and to the problems that both women and men face as a result of sexism. Some social workers, perhaps feeling the negative impact of sexism or simply recognizing the limitations that sexist oppression creates for both men and women, have turned to feminism as a mode of analysis and as a means of ac tion. To define feminism, three current feminist models are examined: (1) liberal, (2) radical, and (3) socialist. In addition, feminist social work practice is outlined for each of the three models of feminism. The models of social work practice are ideals, but nevertheless they provide a less abstract means to grasp some of the concepts that are unique to each of the feminist perspectives and also provide a guide for social work practi tioners to develop individual versions of feminist social work practice.