Critical Hermeneutics for Social Work

The voice of practitioners is rarely heard in social§work publications. Traditional research approaches§perpetuate the divide between theory/research and§practice. This book pioneers a framework for engaging§practitioners in de-constructing taken-for-granted§activities, placing practice at the heart of§research. Through a sequence of focus groups, the§tools of critical hermeneutics are used to explicate§practitioners everyday practices in Irish child§protection and welfare, with a particular focus on§prevention. The texts engendered by the process§clearly demonstrate that, in spite of increasing§bureaucracy, high workloads and societal lack of§resources and support, social workers are highly§committed to protecting and improving the welfare of§vulnerable children. Crucial to their ability to do§so is a strong sense of agency the confidence to§bring about change and to make autonomous decisions.§Through individual and peer reflection, the§hermeneutic process offered a strong antidote to§hopelessness and resignation. The findings propose§exciting possibilities for students, practitioners,§educators and managers in social work and other§caring professions.