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Reflections on the state of the profession: A review of the Norma Parker Addresses 1969-2008
Swain, Shurlee
Swain, Shurlee
Author
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.
Keywords
AASW, critical reflection, ideologies and policies, social work history, social work values
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australian Social Work
Book
Volume
70
Issue
S1
Page Range
17-28
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File Access
Open