Handbook

Since its inception social work has been and interpreted to be, many things: social reformist expression of social justice values, social control mechanism, professional occupation, response to particular social and individual problems and unique as having a dual focus on micro together with macro concerns (structural and systemic). In this topic we explore the multiple reasons or purposes for social work and how these have shifted over the course of the 20th century in concert with changes in the nature of and relationship between the state, market and civil society. In this exploration of diverse perceptions about social work we will pay attention to the views of those who receive social work support and assistance. This understanding lays the foundation for exploration of what it is that is distinct and common to social work. We will build upon this foundation by exploring the values and human rights base of social work, canvass the range of theoretical knowledge social work draws upon, and introduce the notion of social work models and methods. This will establish a framework for future studies in social work development.