How Critical Social Work Theory Informs Radical Social Work Practice

Abstract

This chapter's proposition is that radical social work can be brought into the workplace as a realistic prospect within statutory settings. This is based on various factors concerning cultures, discretion and workplace supports – including trade union organisation and effective supervision. The argument for this possibility is built upon an examination of the critical tradition in social work, learning from the past but building for a better future. The chapter discusses opportunities to shift the emphasis of state social work back to community located, relationship-rooted and preventative forms of practice: the challenge discussed is on how to alter personal practice at front line level and also achieve structural change at organisational level. This should not just be liberating for those who enter social work with a belief that they can contribute to delivering social welfare and building social justice but also a factor in building bottom-up participatory change in society.