How do Social Workers in Mainstream Organisations Practice Critical Social Work?
Abstract
This article considers ‘how do social workers in mainstream organisations practice critical social work?’ utilising a thematic analysis of a semi-structured qualitative interview with a social worker, Sam. In this report I consider the relevant literature including the impact of neo-liberalism and managerialism, the response of mainstream and critical social workers, the methodology used to analyse the data, the results and a discussion of the finding in relation to the literature and data. The results are ‘hopeful’ with a description on how to positions oneself and how to work overtly and covertly to counter the oppression experienced by clients. Turbett (2013) suggests that working radically may extend the working lives of practitioners. The case study of Sam is a good example for new social workers: a practitioner who is still invigorated by his critical frontline work 20 years into his career.
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