Knowledge Base Of Social Work Research Articles

Emancipatory social work: An anticapitalist perspective

The global definition of social work, as articulated by the International Federation of Social Workers, states that social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that, amongst other things, promotes the empowerment and liberation of people. The knowledge base for social work has a rich history of different theoretical perspectives, frameworks and practice models that have attempted to highlight key aspects of human oppression, discrimination and marginalisation and tease out the implications for social work practice in these domains. These approaches have included anti-discriminatory practice, anti-oppressive practice, anti-racist practice, and feminist and empowerment perspectives. In the same tradition, this paper draws on the work of US analytical Marxist sociologist, Eric Olin Wright to consider how his concept of emancipatory social science could be harnessed by social work practitioners, researchers and policymakers to advance human emancipation and what this might mean in different practice domains. The article will focus primarily on a close reading of two of Olin Wright’s publications–Envisioning Real Utopias and How to Be an Anticapitalist in the 21st Century. The article argues for the value of emancipation over empowerment as a concept to convey an authentic commitment to human liberation. It also considers the implications of emancipatory social work for relationships with service users in the context of anti-capitalist struggle and discusses the ramifications for decolonising social work practice in a settler colonial state.

A narrative review of the international literature on social work within the military

There is a dearth of understanding about the international literature on military social work with active service members. This narrative review spans the literature between 1944 and 2019 in an effort to grow the international military social work knowledge base. Of the 92 countries searched, 24 produced at least one publication about military social work with active military service members. Major themes identified among the articles reviewed included: the general scope of practice, practice in mental health and trauma, practice with special populations, practice with families, interdisciplinary practice and collaboration, ethical issues and dilemmas, and education and training.

Szociális munkások a posztmodern terápiák világában

Several key indicators of mental health are critical in Hungary. As for the prevalence of suicide, our position is among the worst ones in Europe and Hungary ranks the first in alcohol-related disorders globally. During their daily work, social workers frequently encounter situations in which they could benefit from the knowledge base and skills of clinical social work to facilitate problem solving. However, clinical social work could not really take root in Hungary, despite the evident need. Establishing intensive education and professional development programmes, and systems of clinical supervision, facilitating the systemic introduction of high-level clinical social work in interprofessional team-settings is an urgent task. The author focuses on postmodern approaches, more specifically, on Open Dialogue as a method, and argues that these approaches are in full accordance with the focus, principles, and key values of social work.

Using life-history maps to support students in connecting theory to practice: a case study of a social work teaching intervention

ABSTRACT Theory is essential to the professional knowledge base of social work, and the ability to understand, apply, and analyze theory in practice is central to professional capabilities and competence. This places social work education in the intersection of understanding, analyzing, and applying theoretical knowledge, a complex task which requires more than the transmission of information and extends to building skills in analysis, reflection, and critical thought. This article explores the implementation of life history mapping as a formative task to support undergraduate students connecting theory to practice in a second-year human development module as part of a qualifying training programme in the United Kingdom. Drawing upon the concepts of constructive alignment and Bloom’s taxonomy of learning, an action research method was applied to review existing teaching and learning approaches alongside learning outcomes. The article is structured around the four phases of action research: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Findings indicate positive outcomes with students reporting how life-history mapping has supported their ability to critique theories and models of development through connection to their lived experience, alongside enhancing their personal growth, empathy, and practical assessment skills.

The Impact on Two Practising Social Workers Who Taught Social Work Students in a University Setting

Social Work Teaching Partnerships were developed in 2015 by the Department for Education in England to foster stronger links between social work employers and educators to improve the quality of social work graduates leaving universities. The initiative resulted in practising social workers entering universities in greater numbers to teach social work students. This paper focuses on how two practicing social workers – Elizabeth and Alex - were affected by teaching social work students in a university setting. The paper presents the practitioners’ reflections of teaching and its effects through short vignettes before examining these reflections by drawing on critical social theories. Social work teaching partnerships which encourage practitioners to spend time as social work teachers in the University classroom can produce unanticipated, positive effects for these practitioners. If the university classroom is seen as a “field” (Bourdieu, 1988), it can facilitate social workers to become objects of knowledge for social work students andto themselves. Interacting with students created opportunities for Elizabeth and Alex to reflect on their social work values, knowledge base, role, and practice. By asking unexpected questions in the classroom, students problematize (Foucault, 1984) what it means to be and to practice as a social worker. Consequently, classroom interactions with social work students can lead practitioners to think about how they would like to work. Elizabeth’s and Alex’s reflections of their classroom experiences may also help to inform and strengthen workforce retention policies in social work, as their self-efficacy increased and new possibilities for social work practice emerged.

Social workers' intervention during natural hazards.

Social work profession is anchored on theory and practice and has both primary and secondary methods of interventions. The knowledge base of social work is constituted by values, principles, theories, skills and techniques. Globally, social work scholars have developed paradigms, theories, approaches, perspectives, models, techniques, skills and principles that could be applied in a variety of settings to various social ills for the benefit of clients in communities. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring social workers’ intervention during natural hazards. The researchers used an interpretative qualitative research approach and case study design. Moreover, five social workers who provide psychosocial counselling and social relief of distress were purposively sampled to participate in this study. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The study found that social workers use three primary methods of social work: casework, group work and community work. Furthermore, the participants stated that they play roles such as educator, counsellor and broker when dealing with victims of natural hazards. Based on the findings, the researchers have noted that not all social workers are active in providing psychosocial counselling to the victims of natural hazards. As such, the researchers recommend more workshops to educate all social workers that social workers have an important role to perform in the midst of natural hazards.

Silenced Coffee Rooms—The Changes in Social Capital within Social Workers’ Work Communities during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing restrictive measures to combat infections led to a significant change in working life and social work within working communities. Workers had to switch to telecommuting quickly, which also affected the interactions between co-workers. In this research, we examined Finnish social workers’ experiences of their work communities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored (1) how the restrictive measures affected social workers’ work communities and (2) what types of factors promoted and challenged the cohesion of social networks and mutual trust between colleagues. The conceptual framework was based on social capital theory, in which social relations are seen as a resource of a community. The data utilised in the study were social workers’ diaries (n = 33) written from mid-March until the end of May 2020. The data were analysed by a qualitative content analysis. The results highlight how the multilocation of work, fear of viral infection and varying attitudes towards the viral outbreak affected the interactions between colleagues in the early stages of the pandemic, increasing tensions and feelings of social distance between co-workers. The common professional value and knowledge base of social work, as well as remote work practices developed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, supported interactions between colleagues. Although remote interaction options were developed, they could not, however, fully replace the advantages of face-to-face interactions and everyday informal encounters between colleagues, the importance of which is essential for developing and maintaining the social capital of work communities.

Group decision-making theories for child and family social work

ABSTRACT There is increasing interest in decision making in social work. Much of the attention has been on individual professional judgement rather than on group decisions processes. This paper outlines key theoretical approaches from diverse fields of knowledge for conceptualising professional group decision processes in child and family social work, as a framework for future research and more focused theoretical developments. The main theoretical approaches considered include (1) group consensus processes; (2) exchange and the use of information; (3) naturalistic studies emphasising group complexity; and (4) incremental improvement processes. The analysis highlights the possible impact of individual, organisational and contextual factors, as well as their complex interconnections, on group decision making. The paper provides a valuable resource for reflecting on group decision processes in child and family social work, and how they complement individual professional judgements and the interactive processes with children and families. Next steps for the development of practice, policy, and research to improve group decision making are discussed. Using theoretical models to underpin empirical research will enable greater connection to be made between studies, and hence further the knowledge base for social work in this field.

An Ecological Theory Application and Expansion to the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on African Americans and Contributors to Vaccine Hesitancy

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted numerous social and health disparities within the United States, particularly those that impact African Americans. African Americans have been overrepresented in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths and have demonstrated lower vaccine inoculation compared to other ethnic groups. This article applies Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory to the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on African Americans and contributors to vaccine hesitancy while offering an expansion to the theory utilizing the Health Belief Model. The Health Belief Model was utilized to address the intervention limitations of the Ecological Theory as the better determine which system(s) would be most advantageous to for health intervention(s). This article extends the social work knowledge base and application by offering implications for practice and research.

A Leadership Model for Social Work: Drawing on Health Care to Inform Social Work Leadership

Abstract Leadership is a frequently used term, but these uses include various definitions and applications; these uses are sometimes contradictory. This definitional vagueness can be a particular challenge for professions, including social work. In comparison to other similar professions, there is a lack of leadership knowledge generation in social work. In addition, the organisational context in England has been challenging in recent decades, likely hindering development and application of leadership models. Health care has a broader empirical and conceptual development of leadership as a topic of examination. In health care literature, compassionate leadership is gaining momentum as a useful way of developing good clinical leadership. There is a strong tradition in social work of engaging with compassion as an element of social work values. We present models of compassionate leadership and consider their usefulness for the current social work knowledge base. We suggest that compassionate leadership may prove useful for social work practice and academia.

Reconceptionalizing the Knowledge Base of Social Work: The Imperative for Critical Theories and Perspectives in Social Work Education

Reconceptionalizing the Knowledge Base of Social Work: The Imperative for Critical Theories and Perspectives in Social Work Education

GÜÇLENMEYİ GÜÇ, GÜÇSÜZLÜK, BASKI VE GÜÇ İLİŞKİLERİ TEMELİNDE ANLAMAK

Güçlenme yaklaşımı, geleneksel sosyal hizmetin bilgi ve değer temelinin yanında, baskıyı kavramayı ve analiz etmeyi, güç ve baskıya odaklanarak güçlenme sürecini deneyimlemeyi içerir. İlgili alanyazında gücün yalnızca kavramsal boyutlarıyla tartışıldığı, güç ilişkilerine odaklanılmadığı, güç ilişkilerinin analizinin nasıl gerçekleştirilebileceğine ilişkin bilgilerin ve tartışmaların yer almadığı görülmektedir. Güç, güçsüzlük ve baskı kavramları temelinde yapılandırılan bu makalede, güç ve güçsüzlüğe ilişkin tarihsel görüşler ile birlikte sosyal hizmet disiplin ve mesleğinde Jane Addams ile başlayan güçlenme meselesi ele alınmaktadır. Bu çalışma ile güç kavramı ve gücün tarihselliği tartışılarak baskı ve baskı araçlarının kullanımı ile bireylerin nasıl güçsüzleştirildiği, güç ilişkilerinin analiz adımları olan güç ilişkilerini anlama, keşfetme, yeniden çerçeveleme ve eleştirel bilincin gelişimi ile güç ilişkilerinde değişimi sağlama ile güçlenme sürecinin kavranması amaçlanmaktadır. Sonuç olarak sevgi dolu, adil ve eşitlikçi bir toplum hayaline erişmede sosyal hizmet için güçlenmenin önemine vurgu yapılarak sosyal hizmet bilgi üretiminde ve uygulamasında güçlenme temelli bir paradigma değişimine ihtiyaç olduğu savunulmaktadır.

Using risk factor statistics in decision-making: prospects and challenges

ABSTRACT Society expects social workers and other professionals to use the best available knowledge in making decisions. Statistical (numerical) data are rapidly becoming an increasing part of the repertoire of knowledge available to professionals. However, social workers can at times seem reluctant to use statistics to inform their judgement processes when considering the assessment and seriousness of risk factors. This paper explores and considers the potential use of statistical methods in understanding risk factors. Potentials of using statistics include reducing variability in human judgements, increasing accuracy and reducing human bias. When contemplating these potentials, it is important to consider ethical issues, legal and organisational issues as well as technical issues. Acknowledging that potentials and challenges need to be weighed, it is imperative that the profession engages in the development of adequate statistical methods to improve the knowledge and skill base for social work in the best interests of clients and families.

Understanding the Importance of Community Practice for Christian Social Workers

The start of the early Christian church is recounted in the book of Acts. In Acts 2 (NKJV) shares that after the outpouring of the Spirit of God, over 3,000 believers gather themselves together, where they “held everything in common, shared their resources, and that each person’s needs were met (Acts 2:42, The Message).
 The following article takes a bird’s eye view that assists us, as social workers, in understanding the importance of community practice. Community calls us to a sense of belonging and inclusion with a group of people. Community also calls us to consider again our shared values and resources. This article grounds us in the Biblical narrative, moves to our social work skills and knowledge base, and then concludes with thoughts that encourage us to address the “wicked problems” by being disruptive forces in the planned change process which is at the heart of community practice.

The Nature of Social Work Research by Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences : An Overview

The knowledge base for Social Work is strengthening. Underpinning of Social Work deriving from scientific research is necessary given the growing complexity of the work and its context. How this research should be conducted and to what type of outcomes it must lead, is part of an ongoing debate. In the Netherlands, practice-based research at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) is a relative new approach. Social Work research groups at UAS assert to conduct practice-based research in order to contribute to knowledge and support the objectives of Social Work. The current study was carried out to obtain insight into the characteristics of this research approach. A sample of publications was analysed in terms of knowledge purpose, methodology, and level and type of participation. Results show a strong focus on producing descriptive knowledge and to a lesser extent on control knowledge, using primarily qualitative research methods, and with limited direct participation by stakeholders. In order to practice more what they preach the research can strengthen by doing more empirical research, by diversifying the research in terms of design and methods and increasing the level of participation of stakeholders.

Pruned, policed and privatised: the knowledge base for children and families social work in England and Wales in 2019

The focus of this chapter is on the knowledge base for social work practice with children and families and its relationship to current social work policy development in England and Wales for the foreseeable future. It is argued that over the last ten years, the nature of the knowledge base for children and family social work, including the way it is generated, accessed and applied, has been increasingly subject to politically initiated change. This article argues that over the previous ten years of ‘austerity’, knowledge for social work has been purposely, and increasingly, ‘weaponised’ as a component of the same political system which introduced and now sustains neo-liberalism and austerity. Deliberate decisions have been taken by government in order to initiate- through a variety of inter-linked and mutually reinforcing strategies- the reframing and repackaging of the role of knowledge in social work practice with children and families. Following a review of current approaches to understanding social work knowledge, the article identifies five key inter-linked projects , which have been established by the Conservative government . It argues that these are intended to deliver a far-reaching political colonisation of the existing knowledge base for social work, which should be resisted by all social work stakeholders.

Agent-Based Modeling: Value Added to Social Work Research

Social workers have taken large strides in adopting rigorous research methods, yet there have been computational advances that could enhance the social work knowledge base. This article introduces a computational method, agent-based modeling, which can facilitate theoretical and methodological innovations by strengthening the alignment of our research methods with common social work theories. We review three theories, identify how current methods do not allow for the full exploration of the social phenomena under investigation, and provide justification for using agent-based modeling.

Analysis of Australian Research Council Grants Awarded for Social Work Projects 2008–2017

ABSTRACTThe quantity and quality of social work research is central to creating knowledge for the profession and maintaining social work’s presence and status in universities. This study examines Australian Research Council grants awarded for social work projects for the 10-year period 2008–2107. It investigates the quantum of grants and the topics addressed, and compares social work to related social sciences. The field of social work was awarded 84 research grants over the 10-year period, a total of $23 million and an average of 8.4 grants per year. However, this did not match the grant successes of the two comparator fields of criminology and social policy and administration. Having a clear picture of research achievements, including grants, is necessary to enable the discipline to plot a strategic way forward, addressing gaps and deficits, and building on strengths.IMPLICATIONSIncreasing research grant success is vital to the ongoing development of the social work knowledge base, and bolsters the standing of social work in universities.Maximising the use of social work Field of Research codes will increase the visibility of social work research, especially in multidisciplinary projects.Social work researchers should publicise competitive grant successes

‘State governing of knowledge’ – constraining social work research and practice

ABSTRACTEvidence-based practice (EBP) has been launched, spread, and established in social work in Sweden in the last decade. Today, impact studies and ‘what works’ are the recommended approaches, and medical ways to understand and examine social problems thus are prioritised over the broad social science perspectives on which social work rests. This development has culminated in an institutionalised system called ‘state governing of knowledge’. We analyse the Swedish EBP movement as an ‘epistemic community’, directing our attention to the ways in which evidence is constructed and proclaimed valid for policy and practice. Empirically, we build on documents from various actors involved in EBP in social work and on results from our on-going research on documentary practices in the social services. We identify four strategies that key actors use within the Swedish EBP community to contest, redefine, and constrain the academic knowledge base of social work: efforts to (1) construct a (state) knowledge bureaucracy, (2) standardise social work research, (3) exclude important aspects of social work expertise, and (4) govern social work practice. All four strategies are supported by ‘improvement rhetoric’ that aims at justifying the project.

Knowledge lost - or gained? The changing knowledge base of Danish social work

ABSTRACTAs the institutional setting and conditions of Danish social work have changed to attain new levels of efficiency, social work practice has changed substantially. The demands for social services of high quality have intensified as a result of high priority cases of neglect and maladministration, as well as municipalities exceeding their budgets.This article explores the consequences of the extensive reform initiatives targeted at Danish social work services. The reforms generate new demands for monitoring, regulating, evidence-basing and evaluating social work, and new processes and ways of knowing the professional object of social work are required to meet these demands. The overall research object is thus the emergence of new social work epistemologies. Setting out from the theory of the professional knowledge base, the article explores how elements of the professional knowledge base in social work are prioritised, changed and sculpted because of organisational reforms.The analysis is grounded in two qualitative case studies, both based on multiple types of qualitative data (fieldwork, interview transcripts and document analysis). The first case study investigates organisational responses to high priority cases, while the second study investigates the consequences of introducing assessment software as a decision-making tool in social work. The organisational changes and initiatives underpin two different models of reality in social work, and while possibly strengthening practitioners’ knowledge base, social work might encounter various pitfalls as a result of the discrepant goals of reforms.