Science and Social Work: A Critical Appraisal - Softcover

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

Science and Social Work is a critical appraisal of the strategies and methods that have been used to develop knowledge for social work practice. It identifies the major ways in which social workers have drawn upon scientific knowledge and techniques, placing each one in historical perspective by explaining the nature of the problems it was designed to solve and the philosophical, political, and practical questions it raised. Kirk and Reid offer a balanced appraisal of the promises, accomplishments, and limits of such approaches, demonstrating how the fruits of scientific research can aid clinical practice with individuals, families and groups.