Pride and Shame in Child and Family Social Work: Emotions and the Search for Humane Practice

Emotion plays a significant role in child and family social work practice, with shame and pride being used as mechanisms of control. The book calls for a more humane form of practice that takes into consideration the realities and frailties of the human experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 27 March 2019
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Emotion plays a significant role in child and family social work practice, as it can be used as a mechanism of control by both professionals and service users. In his book, "The Role of Shame and Pride in Social Work," researcher Matthew Gibson explores the implications of these emotional experiences in the context of professional practice and the relationship between the individual, the family, and the state. The book calls for a more humane form of practice, rooted in more informed policies that take into consideration the realities and frailties of the human experience.

One of the key themes of Gibson's book is the role of shame and pride in social work. Shame is often associated with negative emotions such as guilt, embarrassment, and humiliation, and it can be used as a tool to control individuals. For example, a social worker may shame a client for their behavior or circumstances, which can lead to feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Pride, on the other hand, is often associated with positive emotions such as self-esteem, confidence, and accomplishment, and it can be used as a tool to motivate individuals. However, Gibson argues that shame and pride can be harmful in social work practice, as they can lead to a sense of disempowerment and disengagement.

Gibson's book provides valuable insights into the role of shame and pride in social work practice. He demonstrates how these emotions are embedded within the very structures of society but experienced as individual phenomena. He also shows how these emotions can be used as a mechanism of control in relation to both professionals themselves and service users. For example, a social worker may shame a client for their behavior or circumstances, which can lead to feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. This can then lead to a sense of disengagement from the social work process, which can have negative consequences for the client.

In addition to the role of shame and pride, Gibson's book also explores the implications of these emotional experiences in the context of professional practice and the relationship between the individual, the family, and the state. He argues that these emotional experiences can have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and families, and that they can lead to a range of negative outcomes, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, and homelessness. Gibson calls for a more humane form of practice, rooted in more informed policies that take into consideration the realities and frailties of the human experience.

One of the key recommendations of Gibson's book is that social workers should be trained to recognize and address the emotional experiences of their clients. This can include providing emotional support, counseling, and therapy, as well as working to address the underlying causes of these emotions. Gibson also argues that social workers should be more aware of the impact of their own emotions on their practice, and that they should work to manage their own emotions in a healthy and productive way.

In conclusion, emotion plays a significant role in child and family social work practice, as it can be used as a mechanism of control by both professionals and service users. In his book, "The Role of Shame and Pride in Social Work," researcher Matthew Gibson explores the implications of these emotional experiences in the context of professional practice and the relationship between the individual, the family, and the state. The book calls for a more humane form of practice, rooted in more informed policies that take into consideration the realities and frailties of the human experience. By recognizing and addressing the emotional experiences of their clients, social workers can help to improve the well-being of individuals and families and to create a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 238 x 172 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447344810