‘introducing michael gove toloïcwacquant’: why social work needs critical sociology
Michael Garrett, Paul
Michael Garrett, Paul
Repository DOI
Publication Date
2015-04-14
Type
Article
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Citation
Michael Garrett, Paul (2015). ‘introducing michael gove toloïcwacquant’: why social work needs critical sociology. British Journal of Social Work 46 (4), 873-889
Abstract
In 2013, Michael Gove, then Secretary of State for Education and Health in the UK coalition government, criticised social workers for laying insufficient emphasis on the 'agency' of individuals and for being too preoccupied with social and economic inequalities. Such a perspective, which is not unique to Gove, needs to be countered by reaffirming the significance of an expansively critical sociology for social work. In this context, the thematic concerns of the French theorist, Lo < c Wacquant, illuminates key aspects of social work engagement with clients which Gove and his ideological associates appear intent on ignoring. The issues raised have significant political resonances given the pending UK General Election taking place in May 2015.
Funder
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publisher DOI
10.1093/bjsw/bcv024
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Ireland