BOOKS
The Social Work Business, John Harris (2003) Routledge, London. Many social workers are uneasy about the transformation of the organisational culture in which they work which has been driven by business thinking. This book puts the concept of the 'bureau-professional' in its historical context, as part of the old democratic-welfare-capitalism. It shows how the social work role has moved from this conception, through Seebohm reorganisation, to Thatcher's onslaughts on the welfare state and New Labour's cementing of the Social Work Business. This book provides a radical reappraisal of the far-reaching changes the profession has undergone.
Poverty, Welfare and the Disciplinary State, Chris Jones and Tony Novak (1999) Routledge, London. This is a well-documented, radical critique of the growing authoritarianism of social policy in the last two decades. It powerfully argues that this has been driven by the needs of advanced capitalism and has been accompanied by an ideological assault on the poor. By demonstrating that inequality of income and wealth has, in fact, increased during this period it discredits all the politicians who have argued that increased general wealth would automatically benefit the poor. This book shows that we are now at a crucial fault-line in society where social values and market forces collide. Social workers should read this book to understand how their well-intentioned efforts have been used in the policing of the so-called "underclass".
Structural Social Work: Ideology, Theory and Practice, Robert Mullaly (1993) McClelland and Stewart, Toronto. A full account of the contradictions of radical social work. It contrasts a conventional view of social work, which accepts, participates in, and seeks to reform the present social order with a progressive view which should be the basis of radical social work. It is strong on analysis and political and general social action but weaker on the interpersonal level of social work practice.
Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates, Robert Adams, Lena Dominelli and Malcolm Payne (eds) (1998) Macmillan, London. A critical overview of current theory, research and practice in social work. There is a useful chapter on 'Social work and society' which provides a brief history of social work from a class perspective and points to the inevitable tensions and contradictions within the social work role. Another on 'Radical social work' outlines the evolution of radical social work over the past three decades in the USA and Britain.
Critical Practice in Social Work, Edited by Robert Adams, Lena Dominelli and Malcolm Payne (2002) Palgrave, Basingstoke. An ambitious attempt to apply critical thinking to social work which is generally interesting and thought-provoking but tends to reflect middle class preoccupations. The chapter on physical disability is particularly interesting because it raises important questions about the legitimacy of social work practice and shows how social work is part of the problem as well as the solution.
Modern Social Work Theory, Malcolm Payne (1997) Macmillan, Basingstoke. A detailed critical analysis of the major ideas used in social work practice. The chapter on 'Radical and Marxist Perspectives' provides a clear and concise account of theory and ideology.
What is Professional Social Work? Malcolm Payne (1996) Venture Press, Birmingham. A comprehensive and thorough account of social work which includes discussion of the socialist-collectivist perspective.
HISTORY
Radical Social Work, Roy Bailey and Mike Brake (1975) Edward Arnold, London. The foundation text of the radical social work movement, edited by two key activists.
Social Work under Capitalism, Peter Corrigan and Peter Leonard (1978) Macmillan, London.
Radical Social Work and Practice, Roy Bailey and Mike Brake (eds) (1980) Edward Arnold, London. Collection of essays addressing ideological issues underlying social work practice of the late 1970's.
State Social Work and the Working Class, Chris Jones (1983) Macmillan, London.
Radical Social Work Today, Mary Langan and Phil Lee (1989) Routledge, London. A review of radical social work from the perspective of the late 1980's.
Hilary Searing