Between science, practice and politics: practice research as a defining approach of social work research Zwischen Praxis, Wissenschaft und Politik: Praxisforschung als definitorischer Ansatz der sozialarbeiterischen Forschung
Title:
Between science, practice and politics: practice research as a defining approach of social work research Zwischen Praxis, Wissenschaft und Politik: Praxisforschung als definitorischer Ansatz der sozialarbeiterischen Forschung
Author:
Matthies, Aila-Leena
Appeared in:
European journal of social work
Paging:
Volume 8 (2005) nr. 3 pages 273-278
Year:
2005-09-01
Contents:
This paper reflects the growth in the field of social work research in Europe in the background of the new Masters degrees. The discussion in the paper is focussed on the question of what may be identified as a special character of social work research. The argumentation is built on the thesis that the special character of social work research is the focal point of practice and scientification, policy relevance and professionalism. It is at the same time committed to scientific quality, to the interest of social work practice—even though also criticising it—and to the extramural politics for a more just society. However, one cannot disregard reality, where the differentstake holders of social work research (academic, administrative, institutional, professional and service user levels) have different objectives and interests in social work research.
Journal description