Defining a Social Work Science

2019 ◽  
pp. 57-67
Author(s):  
John Brekke
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
The Core ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Scientific Identity

This chapter provides some proposed intellectual boundaries of the scientific discipline of social work (its domains), as well as some of the core constructs that can guide the science. Since these issues have been addressed in detail elsewhere, they are only summarized here, with more focus in this chapter on arguments for the utility of defining a science of social work, alternative approaches to social work scientific identity, and emerging issues that could inform the development of social work science. The chapter covers the nature of a science of social work, benefits and challenges of establishing an identity as a scientific discipline, perspectives on defining a science of social work, and emerging issues in social work science.

scholarly journals Two levels of meaning elaboration in psychological research

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-450
Author(s):  
David Dias Neto ◽  
Mikael Leiman
Keyword(s):  
Human Action ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Psychological Phenomena ◽  
The Core ◽  
Replication Crisis ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Scientific Endeavor ◽  
Complex Phenomena ◽  
The Relationship

Arocha (2021) discusses the “replication crisis,” arguing for models that allow a greater complexity in the relationship between variables and processes. In this comment, we identify a more fundamental issue: the impossibility of eliminating interpretation issues with operational definitions and increased rigor in the measurements of variables and processes. Interpretation is at the core of (a) human action and (b) scientific endeavor. First, considering Vygotsky, we argue that all higher mental processes are sign mediated, influencing psychological research with humans. Second, that the understanding of research results also involves sign mediation and, therefore, it is nonneutral. We suggest two alternative approaches. There needs to be an increase in research that delivers a detailed description of psychological phenomena. Additionally, it is necessary to increase the elucidation of contextual-embeddedness research. Taking into account the two levels of meaning will underline psychology as a scientific discipline of complex phenomena.

Shaping a Science of Social Work

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Philosophy Of Mind ◽  
Critical Realism ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Helping Professions ◽  
Grand Challenges ◽  
The Future

In contrast to other helping professions, social work does not currently define itself as scientific, or as a scientific discipline. Starting with the work of John Brekke, this volume considers what a science of social work might look like. These ideas have developed from an extended collaboration among the chapter authors and others. Aspects of the framework described here include approaches to ontology and epistemology (scientific and critical realism); science and the the identity of social work; the context of Grand Challenges for social work; the place of values in a science of social work; the importance of theory in social work science; and how ideas from the philosophy of mind can also inform what a social work science should be. The volume then describes the application of social work science to social work practice, managing the tensions between rigor and relevance, and ways to educate future scholars. The concluding chapter suggests some ways in which this framework might affect social work practice and education in the future.

scholarly journals Coparenting autistic children during COVID-19: Emerging insights from practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 002087282110138
Author(s):  
Sarah Southey ◽  
Rae Morris ◽  
Michael Saini
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Family Breakdown ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
Therapeutic Services ◽  
Community Supports

Globally, parents and caregivers of children with autism have been particularly impacted by the recent changes due to COVID-19. Reduced access to schools, community supports, and therapeutic services makes parenting more challenging during the pandemic, and especially for parents with children with autism and who are experiencing family breakdown. There remains little guidance to assist coparenting autistic children during COVID-19 after separation and divorce. This brief paper summarizes emerging issues arising in clinical practice to offer recommendations for social work practice.

Teaching Note: Infusing Diversity Content Into the BSW Curriculum: An LGBT Elders Example

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Ginger Meyette
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Diverse Population ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
The Core ◽  
Bisexual And Transgender ◽  
Diversity Issues

Diversity is a topic that is increasingly important in BSW curriculum content. Social work students are going into practice in a multicultural milieu, and there is not enough room in the core curriculum for BSW educators to add unlimited elective courses to cover every diverse population group. As one case example, Baby Boomers of all races and backgrounds are aging, contributing to an unprecedented growth in the aging population. Included in this group are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders. Diversity issues, including LGBT elder issues, cross all practice areas; therefore, infusion of content embedded in courses can at least introduce students to the needs of these diverse populations and assist them in envisioning possible solutions to address these needs. This article presents a rationale for the infusion of diversity content into the BSW curriculum focusing on the example of LGBT elders. Suggestions for pedagogical infusion strategies are included.

The changing context of China: Emerging issues for school social work practice

2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn A. Levine ◽  
Kai Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
School Social Work ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
School Social Workers ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
Effects On Children ◽  
The Impact

This article provides a contextualized analysis of the ways in which school social workers may address the impact of economic, social and political challenges as they will be experienced by the children of mainland China, and how the profession of school social work may serve to ameliorate the negative effects on children as they transition through these developments.

scholarly journals Reform in teaching preclinical pathophysiology

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Yu Li ◽  
Kun Li ◽  
Hong Yao ◽  
Xiao-Juan Xu ◽  
Qiao-Lin Cai
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Medical Curricula ◽  
The Core ◽  
Teaching Reform ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Core Courses

Pathophysiology is a scientific discipline that studies the onset and progression of pathological conditions and diseases, and pathophysiology is one of the core courses in most preclinical medical curricula. In China, most medical schools house a Department of Pathophysiology, in contrast to medical schools in many developed countries. The staff in Chinese Departments of Pathophysiology generally consists of full-time instructors or lecturers who teach medical students. These lecturers are sometimes lacking in clinic knowledge and experiences. To overcome this, in recent years, we have been trying to bring new trends in teaching pathophysiology into our curriculum. Our purpose in writing this article was to share our experiences with our colleagues and peers worldwide in the hope that the insights we have gained in pathophysiology teaching will be of some value to educators who advocate teaching reform in medical schools.

scholarly journals Forefront of Human Rights Issues

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neely Mahapatra ◽  
Monica Faulkner ◽  
Mona Schatz
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Content ◽  
The Social ◽  
Worldwide Phenomenon ◽  
Social Work Programs ◽  
Global And Local ◽  
Rights Issues

Curriculum content including learning strategies about human trafficking can be integrated into social work programs through the core content courses, enabling future practitioners to competently serve and advocate for victims as well as examine human trafficking policies at national and global levels. However, teaching about human trafficking is difficult due to the lack of evidence-based information. Using existing information, students can gain an understanding of an insidious worldwide phenomenon, which targets the most vulnerable populations including children, women, and youth for mere economic gains. This paper describes strategies for incorporating the topic of human trafficking as a social justice issue into core social work courses. This curricular area offers a topic of global and local significance that should be of paramount concern to the social work profession and its educators.

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