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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1.

Feit, M. D. (2003). Toward a definition of social work practice: Reframing the dichotomy. Research on Social Work Practice, 13(3), 357-365. doi:10.1177/1049731503013003010

This article focuses on how the historical tendency to define social work in dichotomous terms (direct/indirect, clinical/administration) fails to acknowledge the reality that in a job, social workers are engaged in a variety of tasks and responsibilities that draw on a continuum of skills.

Questions:

1. How has the complexity of social work jobs and the variety of settings in which social work occurs contributed to strain and confusion about the definition of social work? 
2. In advancing the idea of an occupational continuum, what does the author suggest about the role of direct and indirect social work tasks and responsibilities? 
3. How does a generalist perspective contribute to a more holistic view of social work practice? 

Article 2. 

Guo, W., & Tsui, M. (2010). From resilience to resistance: A reconstruction of the strengths perspective in social work practice. International Social Work, 53(2), 233-245. doi:10.1177/0020872809355391

This article provides a critique of certain elements of mainstream generalist practice.  Drawing on elements of Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the authors suggest ways for social workers to engage in self-reflection and “frame analysis” as a way to move beyond the emphasis on resilience and acknowledge the possibility of resistance. 

Questions:

1. What is the relationship between strengths-based practice and resilience in mainstream social work? 
2. What are the authors’ central critiques of the strengths-based approach and the emphasis on resilience?
3. Explain the importance of “reflection-in-action” in addressing the identified weaknesses of the mainstream approach to practice.