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BJSW Advance Access originally published online on March 17, 2008
British Journal of Social Work 2009 39(5):867-883; doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcn026
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© The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved

Questioning Habermasian Social Work: A Note on Some Alternative Theoretical Resources

Paul Michael Garrett

Paul Michael Garrett is the author of Remaking Social Work with Children and Families (Routledge, 2003) and Social Work with Irish Children and Families in Britain (Policy Press, 2004). His work has also appeared in academic journals across a range of disciplines. For a number of years he has been a member of the Critical Social Policy editorial collective. He is also a member of the editorial board of the European Journal of Social Work and is a consulting editor for the US-based Journal of Progressive Human Services.

Correspondence to: Dr Paul Michael Garrett, School of Political Science & Sociology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland. Email: PM.Garrett{at}nuigalway.ie


  Abstract

It has been maintained that the social theory of Jurgen Habermas may assist social workers, and others, involved in child protection and related forms of endeavour. Whilst welcoming Hayes and Houston's willingness to utilize social theory, it is argued that Habermas' work is also problematic because of an unsatisfactory approach to issues connected to power differentials. In this context, it will be suggested that there is a need to be wary about the emphasis which Habermas places on the possibilities for unconstrained dialogue. Moreover, the work of a number of other European writers may help to illuminate key factors which Habermas neglects and also provide alternative theoretical resources for social workers and those working in associated fields.

Keywords: Social theory, Bourdieu, Bakhtin, Gramsci


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P. M. Garrett
'Making Social Work More Habermasian?' A Rejoinder in the Debate on Habermas
Br. J. Soc. Work, December 24, 2009; (2009) bcp143v1.
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