The title reflects the challenge laid down by the writers within the disability movement, that to care "for" people is to be oppresive, as this is experienced as controlling and custodial - while to care "about" people arises from the affection that exists between individuals. Social work and other caring professions are criticized within the disability literature as caring for, rather than about people. Since the community care changes in 1993, social workers have had their role as gatekeepers to community services reinforced and they are more actively involved in the placement of disabled people in institutions. As such, the practice of social work can be perceived as being in conflict with the aspirations of disabled people and, may be seen as part of what Vic Finkelstein terms the "administration of disability", which is in conflict with the social justice tradition within social work that in recent years has been epitomized by the focus on anti-discriminatory practice. The role of social work within society is changing in two ways.
Firstly, it is becoming more common for social work tasks to be undertaken by people from other professions, particularly nursing and occupational therapy, and for care to be provided within the independant sector. Secondly, the libertarian influence on social policy, both from government and the social movements, means an end to a paternalistic welfare state and an increased emphasis on individual and family responsibility. This book aims to examine these changes and the conflicts between them in order to explore the practice implications for social welfare, and secondly, to draw upon the knowledge and experience of social work in order to assist other professions that are moving into the social care sector.
- ISBN10 1857424190
- ISBN13 9781857424195
- Publish Date 16 July 1998
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Out of Print 11 September 2004
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Imprint Ashgate Publishing Limited
- Format Hardcover
- Language English