Reflections on the state of the profession: A review of the Norma Parker Addresses 1969-2008

Journal article

Swain, Shurlee. (2017). Reflections on the state of the profession: A review of the Norma Parker Addresses 1969-2008. Australian Social Work. 70(S1), pp. 17 - 28. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2014.973552
AuthorsSwain, Shurlee
Abstract

This paper provides a thematic analysis of the Presidential Addresses delivered at conferences of the Australian Association of Social Workers from 1969 to 2008. It argues that although each of the Addresses needs to be understood within the context of its time, they are linked thematically by their focus on defining and defending the status of social work as a profession. In the early years, the Presidents, while recognising social work's commitment to social justice, sought to contain the Association’s more radical members in order not to threaten the profession’s respectability. However, as neo-conservative economics and managerial management practices eroded both the autonomy and the distinctiveness of the social worker, there was a call to embrace marginalisation.

KeywordsAASW; critical reflection; ideologies and policies; social work history; social work values
Year2017
JournalAustralian Social Work
Journal citation70 (S1), pp. 17 - 28
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN0312-407X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2014.973552
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84937801030
Open accessOpen access
Page range17 - 28
Research GroupSchool of Arts
Publisher's version
License
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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