Social Work for the Twenty-first Century: Challenges and Opportunities

by Francis K. O. Yuen

This work is a critical analysis of the various aspects of social work education and practice. It argues that social work is still a profession searching for a firm identity and a clear and respectful image. The incorporation of science and scientific approach into social work education and practice appears to be the key for the profession to continue to grow and gain its rightful place in the professional and academic communities. Lastly, this book is intended to generate productive dialogues to advance the profession and its educational processes.

150 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

In response to critiques of Social Work as "non-rigorous and anti-intellectual," the work draws on post-modern theory to focus on the role of scientific inquiry in the discipline's theory, education, and practice. While I found the defense of the discipline to be sometimes too focused on the criticisms from those outside of the social work community, the authors did provide worthy arguments for enhancing scientific rigor in practice, education, and research.