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Angesichts der Globalisierung und ihrer Chancen und Risiken stehen auch die Kulturbetriebe in Deutschland vor ganz neuen Herausforderungen. In diesem Modernisierungsprozess sind die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter das wichtigste Potenzial der Kultureinrichtung. Die Aufgabe eines entsprechenden Leaderships im Kulturbetrieb besteht darin, seine Mitarbeiter in die Lage zu versetzen, gemeinsam exzellente Leistungen zu vollbringen. Leadership wird dabei aus einer systemischen Sicht verstanden: Es geht also nicht länger um die ideale Führungstheorie und die herausragende "Führungsfigur“, sondern um das möglichst gute Zusammenspiel der Einzelnen innerhalb des Systems Kulturorganisation und das nur gemeinsam zu konstruierende Selbstverständnis und Leitbild eines Kulturbetriebs. Leitvorstellung dabei ist der "lernende Kulturbetrieb", dessen einzelne Mitglieder zunehmend in die Lage versetzt werden sollen, mit den neuen Herausforderungen offensiv umzugehen und diese zu ihren Gunsten zu gestalten, Risiken zu erkennen und Chancen zu nutzen.
List of contents
List of tables Chapter 1: Introduction: Why Social Theory Matters for Social WorkChapter 2: Classical Social Theory and Modern Social Problems Chapter 3 Phenomenology and Social Theory: Exploring the Life-World of the Service User Chapter 4: Symbolic Interactionism and the Social Self Chapter 5: Norbert Elias: Emotions, Rationality and Self-Restraint Chapter 6: Michel Foucault: Social Work and Professional Power Chapter 7: Pierre Bourdieu: Symbolic Violence and Self-Exclusion Chapter 8: Feminist Social Theory and Social Work Chapter 9: Globalization and Social Work Chapter 10: Conclusion: The Future of Social Work and Social Theory Index
About the author
Christopher Thorpe is a lecturer in sociology at the University of Exeter. His areas of expertise include classical and modern social theory, cultural sociology and social justice. Previously he was at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, where he taught sociology and social theory to social work students. Together with David Inglis, he is author of
An Invitation to Social Theory (2012).
Summary
Social theoretical concepts are at the very heart of social work, providing frameworks to connect wider political and social processes with individual development and sense of selfhood. This textbook outlines how these ideas can be used to provide insight into a wide-range of issues and challenges in social work practice.
Report
"This wonderfully clearly written book shows professiomal and trainee social workers how they can greatly improve their practice by becoming practical sociologists. It also demonstrates to sociologists how their ideas can inspire concrete activities that are socially beneficial and positively transformative" - David Inglis, University of Helsinki.
"A rich meditation on the intersection between social theory and social work. Christopher Thorpe's excellent contribution brings into focus the importance of ideas and concepts for social work. Wonderful to see the inclusion of Norbert Elias who reflects on the emergence of new forms of 'civilized' life mirrored by much of social work's front-line engineering." - Stephen A. Webb, Glasgow Caledonian University.
"Social Theory for Social Work by Chris Thorpe provides a very good foundation for sociological social work approaches to professional practice that many of us have been advocating. It covers crucial sociological perspectives from Durkheim to Bourdieu and applies them to social work, using a critical reflective stance. Moreover, its approach to theory is one that students and practitioners can easily follow." - Lena Dominelli, Co-Director, Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience, Durham University.
