Concept Of Social Work Research Articles

Organisational professionalism and moral courage: contradictory concepts in social work?

This article considers findings from a larger study that explored value tensions and ethical stress experienced by criminal justice social workers across Scotland. The qualitative data from that study are revisited and comments are analysed in terms of themes indicative of ‘organisational professionalism’, such as reliance on agency procedures, the importance of the role of managers and the redundancy of a working theoretical and ethical knowledge base. Findings suggest that ‘organisational professionalism’ is insidiously becoming the social work professional practice framework. Dangers of adherence to such a framework are suggested, especially in terms of the difficulty that it might cause for social workers to demonstrate ‘moral courage’ in the face of the shift to neoliberal frames of reference and ubiquitous managerialism.

Critical Social Work

This performance ethnography presents a multi-vocal dialog of a group of social workers and social work students dealing with personal and professional issues of critical social work. Performance ethnography is an innovative qualitative research method that uses a dramatic medium to bridge between theory and personal experiences and between research, teaching, and learning. Through personal writing and a discussion of an intervention story, we present our experience with critical social work. The play-like structure presents the group dialog as an important medium for encouraging critical reflexivity and for reviving theoretical critical social work concepts with personal and practical meanings.

Indian Ocean Tsunami and its influence on the resurgence of social work as an academic discipline in Sri Lanka

ABSTRACTIn December 2004, the massive Indian Ocean Tsunami hit the coastal areas of Sri Lanka causing a devastating impact on the lives of people. National and International humanitarian aid received in the aftermath was unprecedented. Among this was a team of professors and students from the faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, who conducted a summer camp as a social work practice project together with Sri Lankan undergraduates. The objective was to initiate a project for support based on an action research model adopting a short-term design built upon a needs assessment. While critically looking at the process of international support in the context of country’s long history of state welfare and community support systems, the paper also focuses on one major lapse among others, negligence of people’s needs during disaster interventions. The paper attempts to view this situation in relation to the absence of an established social work profession in the country and examines the applicability of an international framework and concepts of social work in developing academic and professional social work in a context as diverse as Sri Lanka.

‘Cultivating our humanity’ in child and family social work in England

The goal of the social work reform process was to provide a generic framework and single professional body within a broad conception of generic social work. However, debates about the role and nature of social work continue to exist. This paper explores whether contemporary child and family social work is inclined at times to make use of a less humane social work practice with families and children. The policy context and the culture of child and family social work are considered. Implications for social work education are identified. The key message of this paper is twofold. There is a tendency in contemporary child and family social work to become synonymous with a particular version of child protection. The type of child protection adopted tends to be authoritarian with at times a limited consideration of the humanity of parents and adult carers in particular.

Social workers’ construction of “family” in Cuban context

This paper presents preliminary research about the process of the construction of concepts in social work. In this case, it is referred to as a social worker’s construction of “family” as a concept and as a field of practice in a current Cuban context. Based on an exploratory and qualitative research design, the paper presents an analysis that also opens to the discussion about social work with families in Cuba. The findings shows that Cuban social workers think of family as a group with cohabitation and affinity, which is more important than consanguinity, as a dimension for family definitions. They also point at structures of family, special bonds in family network and the social internal and external functions of family in their definitions. Among these functions, the transmission of cultural values, as well as the emotional support and shelter for members, seems relevant.
 Regarding family as a field of practice, they all share the criteria that is necessary for practice to develop a contextual analysis of each situation that goes from macro-contextual aspects to the micro-reality of family. The importance of structural matters and their impact on family functions is also a common idea, which is nucleated around a multigenerational reality of Cuban families and evaluated as a positive or negative impact depending on the case in question.
 They consider social work with families, and social work in general, to be in a critical situation in relation to losing professionalization and social recognition. The reasons explaining these ideas have to do with the instability of social work institutionalization and the recent retraction of social services. These variations have obeyed the changes in a Cuban context that affects the entire welfare system and social work’s position in it.

Socialinis darbas su jaunimu gatvėje – pirmoji patirtis Lietuvoje

Straipsnyje pristatoma socialinio darbo su jaunimu gatvėje teorinė koncepcija, kuri pasaulyje egzistuoja jau daugiau kaip 40 metų, ir remiantis atliktu kokybiniu tyrimu aptariama pirmoji gatvės socialinio darbo patirtis Lietuvoje. Straipsnyje susitelkiama į gatvės socialinio darbo strategijos atsiradimo visuomenines priežastis, analizuojama gatvės socialinio darbo principinė laikysena, aptariamos darbo gatvėje kryptys, tikslai ir funkcijos, nagrinėjama socialinio darbo gatvėje metodologija ir darbui reikalingos kompetencijos. Išskiriamos pagrindinės gatvės socialinio darbo problemos ir kritiniai taškai, specifiniai šio darbo iššūkiai Lietuvoje. Apibendrinant galima teigti, kad gatvės socialinio darbo su jaunimu koncepcija atkeliavo ir į Lietuvą. Ir nors kol kas yra vos kelios pavienės organizacijos, besirūpinančios gatvės socialinio darbo diegimu ir plėtra Lietuvoje, turinčios labai ribotų išteklių (žmogiškųjų, materialiųjų, galios ir įtakos požiūriu), o Lietuvos socialinė politika dar nėra atpažinusi ir pripažinusi tokio socialinio darbo su jaunais žmonėmis poreikio, vis dėlto galima teigti, kad startas duotas. Pirmieji gatvės socialinio darbo projektai Lietuvoje tiek paradigmine laikysena, tiek metodologija visiškai atitinka gatvės socialinio darbo koncepcijos esmines nuostatas ir gali būti visiškai atpažįstami kaip tas pats reiškinys, kurį Vakaruose įprasta vadinti gatvės socialiniu darbu.

Application of Attachment Theory in Clinical Social Work.

This article proposes the use of attachment theory in clinical social work practice. This theory is very appropriate in this context because of its fit with social work concepts of person-in-situation, the significance of developmental history in the emergence of psychosocial problems, and the content of human behavior in the social environment. A literature review supports the significance of the theory. Included are ideas about how attachment styles and working models may be used in assessment and treatment to help clients achieve a secure attachment style.

Group Work Education: A Call for Renewed Commitment

Studies demonstrate steady decline in group work courses and concentration in graduate social work programs. This is attributed to the Council on Social Work Education’s recommendation, in 1969, for a generalist practice model; the growing interest of professional social workers in developing casework skills, including psychiatric casework; and the influence of perspectives from nonsocial work disciplines. This article proposes renewed efforts to strengthen social group work education and concerted collaboration between classroom and field. It focuses on essential course content, emphasizes social group work perspectives, and identifies core social group work concepts and tools for inclusion in curriculum and field education.

Social Justice as Concept and Practice in Australian Social Work: An Analysis of Norma Parker Addresses, 1969–2008

Social justice is central to Australian social work. Principles of social justice underpin the definition of social work as a profession, its code of ethics, and its standards of practice and education. However, there is a dearth of empirical research regarding what social justice has meant to social work over time and how it has been enacted in practice, topical as social inequalities continue to escalate. As a first-stage study, this paper examines how social justice was represented within 19 Norma Parker Addresses delivered by Presidents of the Australian Association of Social Workers at national conferences between 1969 and 2008. Two key themes were evident: social justice as a concept and social justice as social work practice. Social justice was represented conceptually throughout the Addresses as an enduring guiding principle and moral responsibility for social work. How social justice was enacted in practice included themes of: standpoint; practices and strategies; educating social workers; and contested and constrained practice. The meanings and practices of social justice were embedded within the changing contexts within which the Addresses were delivered. Further historical studies can inform social work knowledge, practice, and critical reflection as the profession continues to evolve and confront persistent social justice challenges.

The Position of Transcendental Social Work : Concerning the Concept of Social Work as Defined by Yukinori Unno

The Position of Transcendental Social Work : Concerning the Concept of Social Work as Defined by Yukinori Unno

Де/ре/про-онтологическая концепция социологии и социальной работы в софиологическом контексте

ся и осмысливаются в характерных вербально-дискурсивных структурах. Их существенные, смыслонесущие опоры отливались в мудрости великих мыслителей, народного фольклора, сакрально-скрытом менталитете обычаев, традиций, в целом – в семантических сокровищах языкового бытия сознания. Они в единстве, по мнению автора, составляют софиологический контекст общественного, социального и индивидуального бытия и обеспечивают эпистемоло

The Struggle for the Soul of Social Work in England

There is a debate or struggle for the nature and future of social work in England. This tension is between a narrow or limited type of practice and a broader and emancipatory social work, grounded in the International Federation of Social Work and the wider conception of the profession in other European states. The limited model of social work seems to provide a dominant paradigm, which may result in the loss of a more visionary and humane social work. This is a qualitative study of an undergraduate social work programme in England. There were 48 participants, comprised of academics, students, service users and practice educators. Interviews and focus groups were used and a thematic analysis was undertaken. The key finding of this study is that the paradigm of state or statutory social work in England threatens to replace a broad conception of social work as understood in such definitions as the International Federation of Social Work and social work in other European states.

Learning to Be a Social Worker in a Non-traditional Placement: Critical Reflections on Social Work, Professional Identity and Social Work Education in England

Drawing upon findings from a national evaluation of student social workers' experiences of ‘non-traditional’ placements with a national charity, this article considers what such placements can contribute to the development of an individual and collective sense of professional identity for social work. This is explored against the background of current developments in social work education in England, including changes to the requirements for practice placements and the introduction of ‘fast-track’ routes to qualification, preparing students for social work in statutory children's services. The article suggests that with the establishment of The College of Social Work and the development of the Professional Capabilities Framework, relevant to all social workers throughout their careers, the profession has an opportunity to promote a concept of social work in England beyond that required by statutory sector employers; and that practice learning in non-statutory and non-traditional settings has an important role to play in this.

A Review of Instructional Delivery in Social Work Education Using ICT Tools

Education has been aptly referred to as a veritable tool for meaningful development. The quality and effectiveness of teaching determine to a great extent the overall quality of education and the attainment of educational goals and objectives. Information and Communication Technology ICT) has been globally acclaimed as a tool that can accelerate and promote teaching and learning (National Policy for Information Technology, 2001). As opined by Kirschmer and Waperies, (2003), Information and Communication Technology can make the school more efficient and productive, there by engendering a variety of tools to enhance and facilitate teachers’ professional activities. This theoretical paper reiterates the vital role of ICT in effective teaching and learning generally and essentially in Social Work Education. It kicked off by examining the concepts of ICT and social work; establishing the need for ICT tools in instructional delivery in social work. The paper thereafter examined some applications of ICT tools in Social Work Education delivery and emphasizes the need for social work educators to judiciously utilize the opportunities and benefits inherent in ICT oriented instructional delivery. The paper concludes with a caution on the potential impact of ICT on professional identity of confidentiality.

Thinking from experience in psychosocial practice: reclaiming and teaching ‘use of self’

A course based on psychosocial theory and students' experiences in practice has been taught in the UK, Norway and Quebec. It departs from the classical social work concept ‘use of self’ and aims to help novices in health and social work to understand how the social world is internalised and re-produced and the value of thinking from experience. International developments such as, competency-based education, New Public Management and evidence-based practice reduce opportunities for experiential learning. This trend has been exacerbated by a focus on anti-oppressive practice without a corresponding understanding of how oppressive relations are internalized and enacted by defended and conflicted subjects. Attempts to rectify a relational deficit through traditions of reflective practice and critical reflection are important developments, but could be further strengthened by psychosocial and psychodynamic perspectives. The course combines critical, contextual and relational thinking for students in caring professions.

Medical social worker: Strengthening linkages between the hospital and the community

The concept of medical social work had emerged towards the end of the eighteenth century, and has gradually become an integral element in the practice of medicine. It is executed with the help of Medical Social Worker (MSW) - a paramedical worker who has been trained in the social case work and art of interviewing. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the role of MSW in establishing a linkage between the healthcare system and the members of the community. The MSW is a pivotal member of the health team for any public health initiative whose success is based on community engagement and participation. Recognizing the importance of medical social worker in healthcare system, they are now considered as an essential part of the health care along with doctors and other allied health professionals in the analysis and correction of the social and emotional factors, eventually leading to ill health. They are also increasingly being relied upon for supplying information that is of fundamental importance in reaching the correct diagnosis and management of the patients' health. To conclude, the MSW plays a decisive role in helping sick people - individual-by- individual, both through the best use of the patient's capabilities and community resources and thus eventually assists in the strengthening of the healthcare delivery system of the entire nation.

Sonda do různorodosti pojetí sociální práce u studujících sociální obory

Předkladaný clanek se zabýva různorodosti pojeti socialni prace u studentů a studentek socialnich oborů na Zdravotně socialni fakultě (obor Rehabilitacni-psychosocialni pece o děti, dospěle a seniory a Socialni prace ve veřejne spravě) a Teologicke fakultě (obor Socialni a charitativni prace) Jihoceske univerzity v Ceských Budějovicich.Cilem bylo identifikovat, k jakemu ze tři pojeti socialni prace, tzn. k administrativnimu, profesionalnimu ci filantropickemu, se kloni studenti a studentky jednotlivých oborů.Předpokladali jsme, že pojeti, ke kteremu studujici tenduji, bude korespondovat se specifickým studijnim profilem jimi studovaneho oboru.Pro sběr dat jsme použili techniku polostrukturovaneho dotazniku, který byl studujicim distribuovan během výuky. Ziskana data byla statisticky zpracovana v programu SPSS 16.Výsledky ukazaly, že studenti a studentky RPB osciluji mezi filantropickým a profesionalnim pojetim socialni prace, kdežto studujici SCHP nejsou vyhraněni k žadnemu z pojeti socialni prace a veřejna sprava tenduje k profesionalnimu pojeti. Otazkou tedy zůstava, co formuje u studujicich pojeti socialni prace. Studovaný obor tedy nepředstavuje hlavni determinantu přiklonu k jednomu z pojeti socialni prace.

International Student Views of Social Work in Select Asian and Pacific Island Countries

The views of international students on their CSWE-based educational training and practicum experiences in their home countries is a rare topic in the literature. The present study utilized qualitative interviews with 16 international baccalaureate students who completed their practicums in their home countries in the Asia–Pacific region. Questions guiding the present study included: international students' experiences with language, awareness of policy, licensing and professional organizations, the perception of the profession, and degree-fit and employability issues. The translation of social work terms and concepts to the participants' native language was a challenge. Participants were aware of select social welfare programs, but were not able to confidently and clearly describe the social welfare system or social work profession back home. Perceptions of utility of degree, employability, and awareness of professional organizations varied based on the development and proliferation of social work in the participants' home country among other factors.

Applying critical social work in direct practice with families

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to further discourse concerning the implications of critical social work for direct practice with families and children. It presents and discusses a hypothetical example of how a social worker in a social care agency in Israel can incorporate critical social work notions into an official social work report. The paper begins by presenting key concepts in critical social work, their manifestations in practice and their implications for official social work reports. It then presents a mock report informed by critical social work ideas and discusses its structure and contents. The mock report provides an example of how abstract notions central to critical social work can be actualized. The paper thus offers practitioners the opportunity for a richer discourse on the contribution of critical social work to direct practice with families and children.

Contextual social work and internationalizing social work education: Two sides of the same story?

• Summary: Social work is contextual; some may argue that there is a contradiction between advocating more internationalization in social work education and emphasizing the importance of contextual social work. This article starts with a review of some core concepts, followed by a discussion of results from an inquiry into social work around the world. The professors were asked to define and reflect upon the achievements, dilemmas and pitfalls related to the concepts of international, comparative and contextual social work. Together with some relevant literature, their reflections and understandings form the basis for this article. • Findings: The discussion of findings concerns a discourse about how useful global principles, values and ethics may be in approaching dilemmas in social work practices. It is concluded that there is no contradiction between advocating more internationalization in social work education, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of contextual social work. More internationalization by use of comparative social work is very useful, though it is necessary to be aware of the pitfalls and reflect upon how social work ethics can be applied in different contexts. • Applications: Having fellow students and scholars pose unexpected questions and representing new perspectives in the analysis of academic and professional issues is possible to do without diminishing the relevance of local research, education and practice, and will be productive for the learning process.