Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Well-motivated reformists or nascent radicals: How do applicants to the degree in social work see social problems, their origins and solutions?

Gilligan, Philip A.
Publication Date
2007-06
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
© 2007 Oxford University Press. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
Abstract
This article reports ways in which applicants to the Degree in Social Work see `social problems¿, their origins and possible solutions to them. What is demonstrated is that whilst applicants are concerned about a range of problems, those which could be broadly classified as `anti-social behaviours by individuals or groups¿ predominate, in contrast to those which could be defined as `aspects of the social structure which have an adverse impact on individuals or groups¿. Applicants are much more likely to suggest `individual¿ rather than `social¿ causes and are most likely to suggest `liberal/reformist¿ solutions. It is argued, in the context of frame analysis, that pre-existing views will usually impact strongly on how students respond to the knowledge and challenges offered during training. The article aims to place discussion within consideration of wider issues, particularly whether social work in Britain can maintain its historic commitment to social justice and prevent itself becoming an increasingly uncritical tool of the UK government¿s social authoritarianism. Finally, it seeks to raise questions about whether social work education can assist qualifying workers to develop and maintain resiliently radical approaches to practice, which are also effective in bringing positive change to vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Version
final draft paper
Citation
Gilligan, Philip A. (2007). Well-motivated reformists or nascent radicals: How do applicants to the degree in social work see social problems, their origins and solutions? British Journal of Social Work, Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 735-760.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article
Qualification name
Notes