Social workers' use of the language of social justice

Social Justice as Concept and Practice in Australian Social Work: An Analysis of Norma Parker Addresses, 1969–2008

“…How social justice was, or should have been, enacted in social work practice was less clear in the Addresses; a general observation of social work that has been discussed elsewhere (e.g., Benn, 1991;Hawkins et al, 2001;Ife, 1997;O'Brien, 2011). Speaking generally, Addresses delivered until the mid-1980s reflected more critical, structural, and contested standpoints when compared with later Addresses.…”

“…O'Brien (2011) noted, "the emphasis has been on either the values and principles of social justice or the ways in which those values and principles form a context for practice, as distinct from being an integral part of that practice" (p. 175) [emphasis added]. Hawkins et al (2001) examined the practice language of experienced and newly graduated Australian social workers (n = 60) working in direct practice and community-based settings, concluding that "the use of social justice language in social work is not widespread" (p. 7). While "empowerment" and "advocacy" were frequently used terms, practice mostly reflected "an individualistic as opposed to a broader structural focus" (p. 8).…”

“…Such theories involve analyses of structural location, power, identity, privilege, and language; recognition of difference and social diversity; and the inclusion of clients as legitimate experts in their own lived experiences (Benn, 1991;Caputo, 2002;Finn & Jacobson, 2003;Fraser, 1995;Hawkins, Fook, & Ryan, 2001;Jennissen & Lundy, 2011;O'Brien, 2011;Pease & Fook, 1999). Critical race theories, postcolonialism, and "whiteness" are receiving increased attention in Australia, clearly relevant given long-standing injustices experienced by Australia's Indigenous peoples (Craig, 2002;Moreton-Robinson, 2004;O'Brien, 2011;Walter, Taylor, & Habibis, 2011;Young, 2004).…”

“…These include references to: power, empowerment and powerlessness, oppression, marginalisation, disadvantage, and discrimination; (in)equality, (in)equity, (un)fairness and (in)justice; the distribution of resources, eligibility for services, access to and opportunities for participation; and sociopolitical, economic, and policy analyses (Hawkins et al, 2001;McDonald & Jones, 2000;O'Brien, 2011;Reisch, 2002). Practice theories underpinned by social justice include advocacy, lobbying, and policy work; social change and social action-based practice; community work and development; organisational analysis; and practices enabling equality, access, and participation (Hawkins et al, 2001;O'Brien, 2011).…”

Applying a Theory of Expertise in Health Social Work Administration and Practice in Australia

“…The Dreyfus and Dreyfus model served as the framework for the work of Fook, Ryan and Hawkins (2000) on social work expertise, which resulted in a series of studies from 1990 onwards (Fook et al, 1994;Ryan et al, 1995;Fook et al, 1997a;Fook et al, 1997b;Hawkins et al, 2001). The entire series of studies resulted in a book (Fook et al, 2000) in which a theory about how expertise is learnt and developed was postulated.…”