Complexity and Social Work

List of figures Introduction Finding a path Character, structure and origin of the book Chapter 1: Social Complexity and vulnerability Introduction Setting the problem Increase in number of people facing difficulties in coping with daily life Discussing the rise in socio-psychological problems Social vulnerability The new social quest State of progress Categorisation and emancipation The problem of system based answers State of progress under discussion From a positioning society to a place finding society The exclusionary social world Positioning, profiling and connecting Social competences Social capital Problematic social behaviour Social complexity The power of specialised knowledge Complexity as a description, a way of thinking, and a research area Character of social complexity The parts and the whole Emergence Self-governance Lacking a coreSuperdiversity, class and poverty The concept of superdiversity Descriptive, methodological and political angles of superdiversity Class and poverty in superdiversity Changing perspective on answering social problems Need for customised approaches Recognition of social-efficacy The complexity, claims and capacity triangle A change in perspective or new paradigm Final remark References Chapter 2: Social efficacy Introduction Polanyi: Tacit knowledge An indwelling structure The risk of detached knowledge The paradox of evidence and relevance The higher and lower order The problem of rational empirical science Sense of coherence Bourdieu: Habitus Field Habitus Dispositions Capital Durkheim and the importance of professional groups Sch?: Artistry Artistry in complexity John Dewey? concept of reflectivity The swamp worker Threefold reflection and double loop learning Mindfulness Citizen-professional Sen: Capabilities Capability as an alternative approach Capabilities and functionings Resources and environment Public reasoning Conclusive reflections Professional social efficacy The social efficacy column The capability cycle Synchrony Social efficacy under pressure Final remark References Chapter 3: Normative professionalisation Introduction Professionalisation Professionals under attack Professional logics and defining elements Normative Professionalisation: history and essentials Resistance to the neo-liberal agenda Inspiring concepts and thoughts Developing normative professionalisation Characteristics Moral capital Threefold normativity A provisional definition Fostering professionalisation Steps for implementation Normative professionalisation in research Final remark References Chapter 4: Transformation and Deinstitutionalisation Introduction Transforming the welfare state Arguments for transformation Privatisation Localisation Civil society Active citizenship The concept of active citizenship Relative and relational citizenship Deinstitutionalization Definition and dream Shared values Analysing institutions Analysing deinstitutionalisation Attitude Lack of favourable conditions Cooperation Resources Staff Promising elements for a successful strategy Common direction Cooperation and innovation Empowering citizens Empowering professionals Creating favourable financial conditionsFinal remark References Chapter 5: Social work Introduction Exploring and positioning social work Solidarity and empathy Blurring borders and defining specialisms Positioning social work Social work based on active citizenship The social model More than just a helping profession Core assignment Work perspective A broad generic approach A connecting profession The social work body of knowledge Defining the domain Social work theories 1. Social case work 2. Social pedagogy and ecological social work 3. Caring social work 4. Critical social work and anti-oppressive social work 5. Constructive social work 6. Faith based social work 7. Involuntary social work: probation and rehabilitation 8. Managerial social work 9. Citizenship based social work Social work research Ethics and meaning of life Methodology and methods Organisation and political context Positioning social work in local social policy Social work in different zones Organising social work professionals Professionalisation Standards of a recognized profession Models of professionalisationContextual social work What is it? A teleological practice: implementing social justice Social work in complex and superdiverse contexts Final remark References Chapter 6: Social work as a practice based science and research Introduction Social work as a science and a discipline Changing perspectives Epistemological discourse on science Dichotomies Positioning social work in the epistemological discourse Social work research Practice based research Characterising social work research Categorising social work research fields and perspectives Areas of social work research Research methodology and methods Methodology Mixed method Validity in practice based research Characterising the epistemological position of social work research Evidence based practice or evidence biased practice? What is EBP? Strong EBP Levels of evidence The seven steps Weak EBP Pros and Cons of EBP and its alternatives Pros Cons Alternatives to EBPFinal remark References Chapter 7: The case of Marc. Applying theory to practice.Introduction Multiple connections Case: Marc Wiggins Four essential connections Connecting with the user and his (or her) context Connecting with society Connecting with the profession Connecting with oneselfIngredients for coping with social complexity Final remark References

9781138089334

1