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Recent years have witnessed increased international interest in the relevance of social theories associated with postmodernism, social constructionism and narrative approaches for social work. The central aim of this unique book is to demonstrate how such ideas can make a direct and positive contribution to social work practice. The innovative approach is affirmative and reflexive and emphasis is given to dialogue, process and plurality of knowledge and voice. Richly illustrated by case examples, the book is an ideal introduction to a crucially important new area of social work theory.
List of contents
What Do We Mean By Constructive Social Work?
The Nature of Contemporary Social Work and its Knowledge Base
Some Theoretical Orientations of Constructive Social Work
Towards Constructive Practice
The Art of Resistance
Discipline, for Possibilities
Constructive Assessment
So Does It Work?
Constructive Social Work: Some Examples
Some Central Issues for Constructive Social Work
About the author
NIGEL PARTON is Professor in Child Care and Director of the Centre for Applied Childhood Studies at the University of Huddersfield. A qualified social worker, he is the author of many books, including The Politics of Child Abuse, Governing the Family and Child Protection(with David Thorpe and Corinne Wattam). He is also co-editor of the journal Children and Society.
PATRICK O'BYRNE was Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Huddersfield from 1979-1999, where he lectured extensively on a range of social work methods. He is co-author, with Judith Milner, of Assessment in Social Work.
Summary
Recent years have witnessed increased international interest in the relevance of social theories associated with postmodernism, social constructionism and narrative approaches for social work. The central aim of this unique book is to demonstrate how such ideas can make a direct and positive contribution to social work practice. The innovative approach is affirmative and reflexive and emphasis is given to dialogue, process and plurality of knowledge and voice. Richly illustrated by case examples, the book is an ideal introduction to a crucially important new area of social work theory.
