Social Work's Histories of Complicity and Resistance: A Tale of Two Professions

This book explores the political legacy and history of social work, including resistance and complicity with oppressive and punitive practices, with international case studies. It considers the role of social workers in politically tense episodes of recent history and the impact of de-colonisation and the Black Lives Matter movement on the profession.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Social work is frequently portrayed as a compassionate and politically impartial profession, shying away from discussions about its occasionally troubling political past. This book challenges the conventional narrative of social work by examining its legacy and history of both political resistance and complicity with oppressive and punitive practices. Through a comparative analysis with international case studies, the book sheds light on the role of social workers in politically charged episodes of recent history, such as the anti-racist struggle in the United States and the impact of colonialism in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. As the de-colonization of curricula and the Black Lives Matter movement gain momentum, this captivating book skillfully navigates social work's collective political past while considering its future.

Social work is often presented as a benevolent and politically neutral profession, avoiding discussion about its sometimes troubling political histories. This book rethinks social works legacy and history of both political resistance and complicity with oppressive and punitive practices. Using a comparative approach with international case studies, the book uncovers the role of social workers in politically tense episodes of recent history, including the anti-racist struggle in the US and the impact of colonialism in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. As the de-colonization of curricula and the Black Lives Matter movement gain momentum, this fascinating book skilfully navigates social works collective political past while considering its future.

Social work is frequently portrayed as a compassionate and politically impartial profession, shying away from discussions about its sometimes troubling political past. This book challenges the conventional narrative of social work by examining its legacy and history of both political resistance and complicity with oppressive and punitive practices. Through a comparative analysis with international case studies, the book sheds light on the role of social workers in politically charged episodes of recent history, such as the anti-racist struggle in the United States and the impact of colonialism in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. As the de-colonization of curricula and the Black Lives Matter movement gain momentum, this captivating book skillfully navigates social work's collective political past while considering its future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447364283