Religion and Belief and Social Work: Making sense of competing priorities

Abstract

This PhD by published work consists of: • two single authored articles in refereed journals; • four jointly authored articles in refereed journals; • one jointly authored editorial; • one jointly authored book, including four single authored chapters; They were published in the period 2003-2013. Philip Gilligan submitted the jointly written publications as part of his submission for the award of Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work in 2013.

This thesis identifies substantive findings, theoretical insights, new questions and practice/policy implications arising from the published work. The body of work has and continues to stimulate debate about the need to recognise and appreciate the significance and relevance of religion and related belief in the lives of people accessing health and social care services in the UK. It outlines the general relevance and impact of religion and related belief and explores questions and research concerned with the extent to which social work takes these matters into account in its practices, polices and professional training. It prompts practitioners to reflect on their own and others’ religious beliefs by providing a framework of nine related principles to assist them in their professional practice. One key finding is the need for service providers and policy makers to develop new services that are more responsive to the diverse needs of people living in the UK today by recognising and adopting some of the diverse helping strategies employed and imported by different communities.