Developing social work practice through engaging practitioners in action research

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Fern
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice

Learning in Finnish Social Work Practice and Research

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anniina Tirronen ◽  
Tony Kinder ◽  
Jari Stenvall
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Academic Journals ◽  
Situated Action ◽  
The City ◽  
New Framework

Abstract Accepting Bartlett’s vision of social work’s evolution resulting from action research, the article argues that in Finland, extensive action research is occurring, and this is resulting in service innovations. However, little of this research is published in academic journals and has only limited dissemination. Drawing on data from new interviews with experienced social workers in the City of Tampere, Finland, the article details the nature and extent of action research by social workers. A new framework with which to analyse action research from the logic-of-practice is used to show not only how extensive the action research is, but also how readily situated action research can be analysed from a broader perspective, making dissemination easier.

Conclusion

2014 ◽  
pp. 339-350
Author(s):  
Margaret Pack
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Service Users

This chapter gathers together and synthesises the concepts used and developed throughout this book. These themes include the challenges posed for social work as a profession in relation to notions of rationality and scientific research methods when considering what constitutes “evidence” for social work practice. This critique challenges the definition and application of evidence to complex scenarios where there are no easy answers, yet the agency and systems seem to demand them from social workers. In response to these challenges, social work has developed expertise in the use of case study and action research methods, drawing from interpretive and participative epistemologies. Such research studies aim to give resonance to voices hitherto missed, marginalised, or ignored. To redress this marginalisation and to provide much needed balance in what constitutes “evidence,” narratives of service-users and their caregivers have become primary sources of evidence, which are used to guide social work practice.

scholarly journals Participatory action research: Promoting partnership between a social work team and mothers of hemophiliac children

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-124
Author(s):  
Jing Yang
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Participatory Action Research ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Work Team ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Action Research Project

This article focuses on a participatory action research project as a process for improving social work practice and empowering mothers with hemophiliac children. Four stages of the action research are presented in this study. The research played a critical consciousness-raising and capacity-building role facilitating the mothers’ transformation from passive victims to active subjects. In addition, participatory action research contributed to identifying the emerging needs of families with hemophiliac children and improving the quality of social work services. We concluded that participatory action research is an effective way to empower disadvantaged people. This research methodology also facilitates social work practice in a non-traditional field. It is argued that participatory action research as a way of empowering the vulnerable also entails risks as attempts to redistribute power may earn further stigmatization and discrimination, especially from those whose existing power is challenged. Social work, as a profession committed to a more just and equal society, should be wary of this further stigmatization and insist on principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity. The article concludes by examining the limitations of employing participatory action research and makes recommendations for future programs.

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