Critical Theory and Social Work Research SIG

SSWR Annual Conference

Friday, January 15, 2010

Summary Notes from First SIG Meeting

I. Introductions –
a. Fifteen persons attended this first SIG
b. Stated purposes for attending ranged from general curiousity about Critical
Theory (CT), to desire for more knowledge on CT, to desire to determine ways to
increase support for and integration of CT in teaching and research efforts
c. Attendees were from various parts of the world, including Puerto Rico,
Amsterdam, and England, as well as the US

II. Discussion Highlights

a. CT is inclusive of many theories, including the perspective from the Frankfurt
School, feminism, queer theory, social constructionism and others. Group agreed
that there is not one theory that constitutes CT but a cluster of theories that fall
within this broad perspective
b. Few social work programs in the US incorporate theory courses in their
curriculum. Those that do either omit CT from inclusion or maintain a cautionary
approach regarding CT.
c. Some attendees reported knowledge of active critical theorists/reearchers in social
work; however, common knowledge of such work is lacking across the social
work community

III. Common Challenges Identified

a. Obtaining support for inclusion and utilization of CT in social work departemetns
is often difficult and isolating
b. Knowledge of what is meant by CT is often diffuse
c. Knowledge regarding methods to bringe the gap between theory/analysis and
intervention/research methods with CT perspective is highly desired yet obtuse
d. Knowledge of mechanisms/solutions towards removing barriers related to CT in
social work in context of political and financial support contexts is needed

IV. Identified Resources and Potential Supports

a. Latin American social work programs currently utilize CT perspective in their
social work education programs; dominant focus is on theory and analysis. Noted
there is a lack of inclusion of the voices of those most impacted by social
work/social programs and policies.
b. Various specialized academic areas of study utilize CT perspective (e.g., gender
studies, African American studies, etc.) and thus maybe good potential partners
for interdiscipliniary work
c. UK, Australia, and Canada currently have social work publications that are open
to and currently disseminating work from this perspective
d. The Qualitative International Congress has a social work caucus that includes
members who appear to embrace CT
 V. Future Action Strategies
a. Keep this SIG active in future conferences and build membership
b. Develop a listserv and community accessible link for those interested in CT in
social work education, practice and research
c. Attempt to gain support from a school of social work to sponsor the web-based
domain
d. Increase submissions to SSWR & CSWE of work grounded in CT – includes
roundtables, symposia and paper/poster presentations
e. Work towards securing a prominent social work journal to publich a special
edition of work grounded in CT
f. Network with current social work scholars in this area to garner support and
additional knowledge. Includes scholars such as Stanley Witkin, Jane Fook, Jane
Gilgun, and others
g. Disseminate information from this SIG to colleagues to increase support/interest

Completed by: Tara V. DeJohn, LCSW

tdejohn@tigers.lsu.edu