Modernising social work

Critical considerations

Vicky White editor John Harris editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Policy Press

Published:31st Mar '09

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Modernising social work cover

New Labour's modernisation agenda has produced an avalanche of change that has posed formidable challenges for everyone involved in social work, whether as service users, practitioners or managers. "Modernising Social Work" provides a radical appraisal of the far-reaching changes in their theoretical, historical and policy contexts. The book is organised into three sections that consider: the inter-relationship of modernisation and managerialism, modernisation's impact on service users and the ways in which social workers and front-line managers seek to exercise professional discretion for the benefit of service users within a workplace culture of intensified scrutiny and control. Analysis of a range of key developments in all three areas reveals the modernisation agenda as complex and contested. The book's three sections cover the main issues of the modernisation agenda, making it ideal for teaching. Locating the issues in their theoretical, historical and policy contexts meets the needs of student readers and experienced social workers will appreciate the emphasis on empirical research as well as practice experience.

"Harris and White have edited an impressive collection of papers which address social work and the modernization agenda.......The texts should be regarded as timely and important reading for all students of social work and social policy". David Denney in Social Policy and Administration
"John Harris and Vicky White's edited collection is a valuable addition to the growing critical literature on New Labour and social work. Drawing on original research which builds on Harris' earlier groundbreaking analysis of the 'social work business', its contributors challenge the myth of modernisation as an ideology-free zone and provide valuable ammunition for those seeking to develop alternatives to managerial and market-driven approaches". Iain Ferguson, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Stirling

ISBN: 9781847420053

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

216 pages