Observation and its Application to Social Work by Pat Le Riche

Observation and its Application to Social Work by Pat Le Riche

Observation helps social workers and students to reflect upon situations before intervening. The Tavistock Model of Observation, which is informed by psychoanalytic ideas (especially those of Klein and Bion) is the starting point of this general book on the role of observation in social work. Karen Tanner and Pat Le Riche have brought together a range of contributions from practitioners and social work academics in order to discuss the application of ideas about observation to social work education and practice. While the Tavistock Model remains influential, the writers draw on material from a number of other disciplines, such as behavioural ethnography, psychology and critical social policy, on observation and social work. The central theme of the book is that of power relations. The authors focus on power in relation to the process of observation, and how observation can be used to counteract oppressive and dehumanising practices. Clearly and perceptively written, the book develops the debate on the purposes of observation and provides an overview of current practice. It will be of use to students and professionals alike.

I have come away from reading the book with renewed enthusiasm for the value of the observer role and its attendant skills, both through previous ideas being enhanced and clarified by being put in context and through being introduced to fresh thinkingOverall, I thought the book did very well in its exploration of the theoretical context for the use of observation and in its arguments for the core position of observation in social work. The subject matter of this book continues to be of fundamental importance within the social work profession and the book provides a distinctive contribution to its study and dissemination. -- British Journal of Social Work

Pat Le Riche has worked in a range of statutory and voluntary agencies. Her particular research interests are social work with older women and developments in community care. Both authors are lecturers in social work at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Karen Tanner has practice experience in child protection and has worked with children with life-threatening illnesses. She has direct experience of child observation and co-ordinates teaching in this area on a range of teaching programmes.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781853026300
ISBN 10	1853026301
Title	Observation and its Application to Social Work
Author	Pat Le Riche
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Year published	1998-06-01
Number of pages	200
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.