Social work and the practice of social justice: An initial overview

Authors

  • Michael O'Brien Associate Professor in the social policy and social work programme at Massey University, Albany. Active in a range of social justice and social service groups and has written extensively on issues of child poverty, social security and social services.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol21iss1id308

Keywords:

social justice, social work practice,

Abstract

Social justice is a key element in social work. A sample of 192 ANZASW members recently completed a questionnaire describing their approach to social justice and the links between social justice and their practice. This overview article provides an initial summary of their thinking about and approach to social justice in that practice and reflects the various ways in which that practice is shaped by and reflects dimensions of social justice.

References

Craig, G. (2002). Poverty, social work and social justice. British Journal of Social Work, 32(6), 669-682.

Ferguson, I. (2008). Reclaiming social work. Challenging neo-liberalism and promoting social justice. London: Sage.

Figueira-McDonough, J. (2007). The welfare state and social work. Pursuing social justice. London: Sage.

Hawkins, L., Fook, J., & Ryan, M. (2001). Social worker’s use of the language of social justice. British Journal of Social Work, 31(1), 1-13.

Humphries, B. (2008). Social work for social justice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Ife, J. (2001). Human rights and social work. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Jordan, B. (2004). Emancipatory social work? Opportunity or oxymoron. British Journal of Social Work, 34(1), 5-19.

Lister, R. (2008). Recognition and voice: The challenge for social justice. In G. Craig, T. Burchardt & D. Gordon (Eds.). Social justice and public policy. Seeking fairness in diverse societies. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Piachaud, D. (2008). Social justice and public policy: A social policy perspective. In G. Craig, T. Burchardt & D. Gordon (Eds.). Social justice and public policy. Seeking fairness in diverse societies. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Sowers, K. & Rowe, W. (2007). Social work practice and social justice. From local to global perspectives. Canada: Thomson.

Wolff, J. (2008). Social justice and public policy: A view from political philosophy. In G. Craig, T. Burchardt & D. Gordon (Eds.). Social justice and public policy. Seeking fairness in diverse societies. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Downloads

Published

2017-07-17

How to Cite

O'Brien, M. (2017). Social work and the practice of social justice: An initial overview. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 21(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol21iss1id308

Issue

Section

Articles