Applying critical social work theory in practice

Abstract

Critical social work theory is a discourse about the nature of social work expressed through its formulation of practice.Th ree traditions of thinking contribute to it: taking a sceptical stance towards knowledge for practice, ideas critical of existing social orders and theory from sociological traditions, in particular Marxist thought, critical social theory of the Frankfurt School and postmodern and feminist thought.Th ese infl uences have both receded and developed within social work during the 20 th century and built a renewed form of practice that includes critical refl ection, advocacy and self-help in the face of poverty and social oppressions, ideas about anti-oppression, feminism and social identity.Although radical social work of the 1970s focused on revolutionary social change, recent practice developments have built a structural practice and a range of other transformational strategies that can be applied to many diff erent client groups.

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