Critical Hermeneutics for Social Work : Theory, research and practice in preventative child welfare

ISBN-13: 9783639116809 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 248 str.

Marian Murphy

Opis

The voice of practitioners is rarely heard in socialwork publications. Traditional research approachesperpetuate the divide between theory/research andpractice. This book pioneers a framework for engagingpractitioners in de-constructing taken-for-grantedactivities, placing practice at the heart ofresearch. Through a sequence of focus groups, thetools of critical hermeneutics are used to explicatepractitioners everyday practices in Irish childprotection and welfare, with a particular focus onprevention. The texts engendered by the processclearly demonstrate that, in spite of increasingbureaucracy, high workloads and societal lack ofresources and support, social workers are highlycommitted to protecting and improving the welfare ofvulnerable children. Crucial to their ability to doso is a strong sense of agency the confidence tobring about change and to make autonomous decisions.Through individual and peer reflection, thehermeneutic process offered a strong antidote tohopelessness and resignation. The findings proposeexciting possibilities for students, practitioners,educators and managers in social work and othercaring professions.

O autorze

Marian Murphy, Phd: Educated at University College Dublin, London
School of Economics and University College Cork, where she is
Senior Lecturer. Director of Master in Social Work 1991-2008.
Previously a social worker in the disability, child welfare and
mental health fields. She has published extensively on reflective
learning in social work.