Training in Social Work, Management, and the “Concrete” Subject

Abstract

After spreading through the public sector, management now contributes to the renewal of the social and medico-social field. The reforms to training in social work occupations illustrate this trend. This paper examines the trend based on the example of the Diplôme d’Etat d’Educateur Spécialisé (DEES, or Specialized Educator State Diploma).This training appears to underestimate issues related to the professional positioning (and the practice analysis) of social workers and to emphasize expertise (social engineering) and project methodology. This managerial approach not only redefines the educational act according to a more individualized and decontextualized vision (at the expense of social assistance) related to a sort of metaphysical individual. It also conflicts with the human sciences (which are not a focus of this training program). Moreover, it ignores the “concrete” subject, the one who builds himself/herself through his/her relationship to the outside, the environment, and the other. These facts raise questions about the meaning of this type of training and the future of social work.

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