Towards a New Social Work

In the 1970s, social work in Britain was in crisis, but Professor Howard Jones saw it as an opportunity for a debate on the basic issues. The contributors to the book were actively involved in the teaching and practice of social work and were concerned to find a right course for social work in this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the 1970s, social work in Britain faced a crisis, marked by a process of self-searching spurred by various factors. These included changes in the organization of social services departments, the growth of the radical movement in social work, and the emergence of new techniques in the field. At first glance, this situation might have seemed confusing and depressing, but Professor Howard Jones, the editor of this collection of essays, saw it as an opportunity for a potentially rewarding debate. He believed that the old unsatisfactory mold had been broken, and that it was now possible to approach the fundamental issues of social work without preconceptions.

The contributors to this book were all actively involved in teaching and practicing social work at the time, and they came together to initiate a debate on the pressing issues of the day. They were deeply concerned with finding the right course for social work during this crucial period, and their essays cover a wide range of topics. These include social work training, the role of social workers in political action, community participation, and the utilization of research in the field.

One of the key themes that emerged from the essays is the importance of social work training. The contributors argued that social work students needed to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the complex challenges of the modern world. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive training program that would cover both theoretical and practical aspects of social work, including working with diverse populations, promoting social justice, and addressing issues of inequality.

Another important topic discussed in the book is the relationship between social work and political action. The contributors recognized the power of social workers to advocate for social change and promote social justice on a local, national, and international level. They argued that social workers should be actively involved in political processes and work towards creating a more equitable and just society.

Community participation was also a central theme in the essays. The contributors emphasized the importance of involving communities in the development and implementation of social work programs and services. They argued that social work should be grounded in the values and needs of the communities it serves and that collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders was essential for achieving positive outcomes.

Making use of research was another important aspect of the debate. The contributors recognized the value of research in social work as a means of improving practice, developing new theories and interventions, and evaluating the effectiveness of social work programs and services. They argued that social workers should be trained in research methods and encouraged to use research to inform their practice and advocate for change.

Overall, this collection of essays provides a valuable insight into the state of social work in the 1970s and the debates that were taking place. The contributors offer a range of perspectives and ideas on the leading issues of the day, and their essays are thought-provoking and informative. They serve as a reminder of the importance of social work in promoting social justice, addressing inequality, and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032567600