Call for submissions with a special focus on critical perspectives on technology and social work
In 2025 the journal will pilot a new approach by inviting articles with a special focus on some key topics. Rather than have a special issue on a single topic, some issues will publish articles associated with the special focus, but remain open to other articles. In this way we highlight emerging themes and issues of concern without holding back the steady stream of scholarly work in different areas. The first call is highlighted below.
Special Focus: Critical perspectives on technology and social work
Like other academic disciplines and professional practices, social work practice, research and education is entangled in debates about the potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence (AI) in its myriad forms. Issues with data discrimination caused by predictive AI in child protection, criminal justice and education have been conjoined with the hue and cry on generative AI, academic integrity and the ethics of large language models. These technological developments impact our espoused commitment to core values of social justice and self-determination, and the focus of critical social work on power relations. We have been here before: the telephone, the car, the microcomputer, the internet, social media and now AI. Every new technology is introduced and embedded into our practice in ways that help, hinder, challenge, limit and expand what it is to do social work and to be a social work practitioner, educator or researcher.
In this special focus, we welcome critical articles (empirical or theoretical), viewpoints, research briefs, or book reviews exploring any aspect, contemporary or historical, of the sometimes troubled relationship between technology and social work. Submissions might include critical perspectives on predictive or generative AI in practice, research or education, telecare, smart homes in care contexts, social robotics, social media and any other technology application in social work settings.
Please submit your article for review by 31st May 2025
Please submit your article in the usual way but contact the special focus editors to let them know it connects to the special focus. You can also contact the special focus editors with any questions about the relevance of a paper to the focus.
Contact: neil.ballantyne@openpolytechnic.ac.nz or emily.keddell@otago.ac.nz
