Allan Sekula: Photography Against Illusion and Towards Critical Realism

In contrast to other helping professions, social work does not currently define itself as scientific, or as a scientific discipline. Starting with the work of John Brekke, this volume considers what a science of social work might look like. These ideas have developed from an extended collaboration among the chapter authors and others. Aspects of the framework described here include approaches to ontology and epistemology (scientific and critical realism); science and the the identity of social work; the context of Grand Challenges for social work; the place of values in a science of social work; the importance of theory in social work science; and how ideas from the philosophy of mind can also inform what a social work science should be. The volume then describes the application of social work science to social work practice, managing the tensions between rigor and relevance, and ways to educate future scholars. The concluding chapter suggests some ways in which this framework might affect social work practice and education in the future.

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Conflict Studies and Causality: Critical Realism and the Nomothetic/Idiographic Divide in the Study of Civil War

Civil Wars ◽

10.1080/13698249.2017.1297049 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 387-416 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Michiel van Ingen

Keyword(s):

Civil War ◽

Critical Realism ◽

Conflict Studies

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Critical Realism, Human Rights, and Emotion: How an Emotive Ontology Can Resolve the Tensions Between Universalism and Relativism

Human Rights Review ◽

10.1007/s12142-021-00618-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ben Luongo

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

Critical Realism

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A comparison of formal and informal help in the context of mental health recovery

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211004988 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110049

Author(s):

François Lauzier-Jobin ◽

Janie Houle

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Critical Realism ◽

Bipolar Disorders ◽

Mental Health Recovery ◽

Helping Relationships ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Time Limitations ◽

Method Approach ◽

Informal Help

Background: People in recovery from anxiety, depressive or bipolar disorders can receive both formal (from practitioners) and informal help (from family and friends). These two types of helping relationships have often been studied separately as either therapeutic relationships or social support. Yet, the mechanisms of these two forms of help have not been empirically compared in the context of mental health recovery. Aims: The purpose of this study is to compare the mechanisms of informal help and formal help in recovery by combining the perspectives of individuals in recovery, their informal helper and their practitioner. Method: Individual interviews were conducted with 15 triads ( N = 45 participants) comprising a person in recovery, their most significant informal helper and their most significant practitioner to compare the two forms of help through a mixed method approach. Based on the paradigm of critical realism, the research puts the emphasis on the triangulation of data sources and types. Results: The informal and formal helping relationships serve multiple functions some can be found in both, often in different ways (communication, presence and availability). Informal helpers tend to serve a broader array of functions than practitioners do. Regarding differences, formal help is characterised by scheduling, time limitations and professional competencies. Informal help is characterised by emotional closeness, companionship and reciprocity. Also, people in recovery are active when it comes to determining the role that their helpers play (agency). Conclusions: Social support from family members and friends, as well as help from professionals can contribute to recovery in different ways. Attesting to the agency of people in recovery, the two forms of help are not only perceived as complementary, they are deliberately kept so.

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