Changing learning and learning change: making a difference in education, policy and practice¹

Abstract

Themes of dehumanisation, demoralisation, insecurity and powerlessness are identified from research evidence of the experiences of social work staff and clients. Similar themes are uncovered in a review of policy-making across different social work client groups. The picture that emerges is contrasted with official pronouncements about the goals of policy-making and about social work's aims and purposes, whilst their impact is revealed through the operation of various defensive responses. The paper moves on to survey several misunderstandings about practice and policy change before concluding by identifying spaces where teaching and learning social work can effect a shift of mind, where practitioners and managers can begin to make a difference to their own and their clients' experiences of social work.

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