Postmodern Social Work: Reflective Practice and Education

Ken Moffatt turns to postmodern philosophy’s grappling with late capitalism and the omnipresence of technology in order to develop a new approach to reflective social work practice and critical pedagogy. He attempts to reconcile postmodern thinkers with the realities of teaching social work to diverse student populations in a precarious era.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In the face of widespread instability and uncertainty, social workers must adapt to the changing landscape of their profession. One way to do this is by embracing postmodern philosophy, which offers a critical lens for understanding the complex social and political issues of our time. Postmodernism challenges traditional linear thinking and emphasizes the importance of multiple perspectives and the interconnectedness of all things.

In the field of social work, this means recognizing the impact of technology and media images on our daily lives and mental states. Social workers must be able to navigate the increasingly digital world and understand how these tools can be used to promote social justice and support vulnerable populations.

One way to incorporate postmodern philosophy into social work practice is through reflective practice. Reflective practice involves combining direct experience with social welfare and social justice principles to provide holistic and effective support to clients. Social workers can use reflective practice to analyze their own biases and assumptions, develop empathy and compassion, and create interventions that are tailored to the individual needs of their clients.

Another approach is critical pedagogy, which emphasizes the importance of empowering students to become agents of social change. Critical pedagogy encourages students to question the dominant narratives and power structures that shape their lives and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to challenge these structures. Social workers can use critical pedagogy to teach students about social justice, diversity, and inclusion and to help them develop the skills they need to work with diverse client populations.

In addition to these approaches, social workers can also use postmodern philosophy to develop new ways of thinking about social work practice and education. For example, they can explore the concept of intersectionality, which recognizes the interconnectedness of different social identities such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. Social workers can use intersectionality to develop more inclusive and effective interventions that address the complex needs of their clients.

Overall, postmodern philosophy offers social workers a valuable framework for adapting to a time of instability and uncertainty. By embracing multiple perspectives, recognizing the impact of technology and media, and using reflective and critical practices, social workers can provide holistic and effective support to their clients and promote social justice in their communities.

In conclusion, postmodern social work offers a critical lens for understanding the complex social and political issues of our time. By embracing postmodern philosophy, social workers can develop new ways of thinking about practice and education that are inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of their clients and communities. As social workers continue to navigate the changing landscape of their profession, it is important to remain committed to social work's primary concerns of inclusion and justice and to use postmodern philosophy to guide their work.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231128001