Transforming Social Work Practice : Postmodern Critical Perspectives

'A powerful intervention in the debate about the uncertain future of all kinds of social work, including that which continues within a critical tradition.' From the Foreword by Peter Leonard, McGill University, Canada..What can postmodern theory offer social work practice?

Can it be more than deconstructive? Can it be used to enhance professional practice?..Transforming Social Work Practice shows that postmodern theory offers new strategies for social workers concerned with political action and social justice.

It explores ways of developing practice frameworks, paradigms and principles which take advantage of the perspectives offered by postmodern theory without totally abandoning the values of modernity and the Enlightenment project of human emancipation.

Case studies demonstrate how these perspectives can be applied to practice...In the context of ongoing cuts to government spending and the demise of the welfare state, this collection shows how social workers can move from conventional understandings of practice to paradigms and models which are more relevant to today's world.