Description
Book SynopsisThis unique study of social work provides a bold and challenging view of the subject from an anthropological perspective. Combining research and personal reflection, it explores cultural and symbolic representations of social work, evolving identities of social work practitioners and the ways in which they and society now view one another.
Trade Review“A unique anthropological approach that explores the diversity of social work and the intricate processes that motivate and shape people into social workers.” Marek Perlinski, Umeå University
"Of great value to anyone who wants to engage in serious reflection on what it means to be a social worker, including prospective and practicing social workers." John Chandler, University of East London
Table of ContentsWho are “social workers”? Why do we need them? Getting involved: an auto-ethnographic enquiry; Time and change : UK social work and comparative social work cultures since 1990; Becoming: being admitted, trained and accepted as a social worker; Identifying: professional identity/ies; Valuing and transgressing: practice and research values, and ‘becoming unfit’ to practice; Practising and relating: Social workers and relationships; Partnering: Social workers, other professionals and clients/ service users; Knowing and evidencing: building a research base, mapping and modelling; Symbolising: cultural representations in theory and in practice; Organising: the development of national and international associations; Changing: Social work and the public, anthropological reflections & conclusions on an ever changing profession – the future?
