Overview

Historically, there have been two main approaches to the proper role and function of science in social work: making practice more like research by emphasizing the systematic gathering of information, and the intense study of individual clients, and arriving at decisions after analysis of case-specific data; and using scientific findings in working with clients. This book presents a balanced appraisal, demonstrating how the fruits of scientific research can aid clinical practice.

Full Product Details

9780231118248

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is a landmark book in the history of the relationship of social work research, as a science, and social work practice. -- Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare [Kirk and Reid's] thoughtful new treatise is a significant contribution to the history of ideas in social work...well written, engaging... Science and Social Work should be required reading for graduate social work students and those of us who, by dint of age, do not have the long view of social work acquired by these two prominent scholars. -- Matthew O. Howard, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, Journal of Social Service Research Kirk and Reid offer a clear eyed, empathic, yet sobering history, analysis and evaluation... of social work's failure to vigorously engage in the process of developing theories of practice and effective interventions. -- Social Thought

Author Information

Stuart A. Kirk is Marjorie Crump Professor and chair of the Ph.D. program of the Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Policy and Social Research at UCLA. William J. Reid is Distinguished Professor of Social Welfare at the State University of New York at Albany.

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