Post modernism and our contemporary social work understanding

Post youthfulism and our coeval amicable report mindDrawing on material from the module, critic altogethery discuss the extent to which theories relating to brand modern fontism allege our accord of an facet or aspects of contemporary amicable use.Theories of get offmodernism take aim gathered pace crosswise all aspect of brotherly opening. This is often referred to as the postmodern crook (Best and Kellner, 1997). The increment of the modern/postmodern debate in response to economic, affectionate and cultural transformation has signifi goatt implications for businesss much(prenominal) as affectionate twist (Crook et al, 1992). A vast array of literature has emerged with an interest in judgment changes to well- being provision and accessible guide in relation to post contemporaneousness (Parton, 1994).This school text depart critically discuss the extent to which theories relating to post modernism inform our understanding of contemporary societal blac k market. Being with the emergence of postmodern theory it will attempt to define this phenomenon by exploring the spot themes. Focusing on two elements in particular, welfare and anti-oppressive dedicate, this text will try to identify characteristics of postmodern accessible naturalize using modernity as basis for comparison and outline. To conclude collaborative theories such as affirmative or critical postmodernism will be explored as thoughts that inform understanding and guide social blend practice into an onslaught that combines both(prenominal) personal and social factors.Postmodernist social theory began to emerge in the 1960s and 1970s. It developed into the 1980s where the concepts of globalization and reflexivity change demesne incorporated. directly the postmodern debate continues to influence social work policy and practice (Walker, 2001). Postmodern theory developed as a response to a perceived crisis of modernity brought on by factors such as quicken eco nomic harvest, consumerism and resource depletion (Boggs, 1993). For umteen theorists such as Lyotard (1991) modernity failed to secure its supposed aims of democracy, human freedom and social justice done its demo ground world view.Amongst theorists there is little consensus about when the world become post modern or if indeed it has giving rise to a plethora of postmodern perspectives and associated terms such as late modern, post-industrial, post-structural and uplifted or late modernity (Dodd, 1999). Some theorists attempt to explain postmodernism historically whilst others consider it synonymous with the last of historical time (Felski, 2000, p.2). As a result postmodernism proves difficult to define. There is however a common feature that stack be identified within most postmodern theory, the demise of mega-narratives (Lyon, 1994). Factors such as uncertainty, flux, ambiguity, pluralism and diversity have also been identified as characteristics of a postmodern guild (Turner, 2006). The influx of postmodern theories has changed the discourse of social science shifting the centre from analysis of social structure to analysis of meaning (Noble, 2004).In considering the impact of theories relating to postmodernism attention should be minded(p) to what characterises modern and postmodern social work. companionable work can be considered a child of modernity (Parton and Marshall, 1998). The foundations of modernity were set in understanding the social world done occasion, objectively and scientific study (Boggs, 1993). Some present that it was this presence of logical stemma and commitment to reason that equipped social work with tools to identify and distribute oppression (Noble, 2004). For this reason social work has spent most of its adolescence within the social sciences focusing on an tell lower-rankingd progression to practice (Payne, 2005). Writers such as Gellner (1992) and Hambermas (1987, cited by Leonard 1997) countenance that if separated from repression and domination human reason is still the most enounce-of-the-art force for tackling the social world.A modernist perspective assumes that there is or so persistent essence or ethical base that informs social work (Noble, 2004). This was a popular perspective in the 1970s where pursuit for a synthesized come to theory and practice was accelerated and arguments were made for the adit of generic practitioners and departments (Howe, 1994). The argument that in the age of modernity social order is maintained through self-regulation, systematic enquiry and expertise put forward by Foucault (1975), goes about look toward explaining the development and popularity of therapeutic approaches within social work. Promoting psychological understanding became a basis for social work with treatment and rehabilitation forming the foundations of the profession (Payne, 2005). There is of course considerable debate as to whether social work did produce with such e mancipatory aims and its promotion of customaryism and objectively is certainly challenged by the postmodern discourse.Social work, from a postmodern perspective, stresses attention to power dilution, diversity, the authority of the return user, pluralistic perspectives and a fluid approach to intervention (Parton and OByrne, 2000). In this approach universalism is rejected and practitioners no longer strive to understand human demeanor through a theoretic framework. Multiple public inquiries into child deaths and institutional abuse have shaken faith in psychologically based techniques, questioning their ability to support individuals to function safely in society (Walker, 2001). This coupled with criticisms from radical social work perspectives has pull ind lieu for a levelheaded and social justice framework to emerge (Howe, 1994). Within this framework social workers are change magnitudely judged by their effectiveness giving reason, urges (Aldridge, 1996), for social wor kers to compact their expertise and become more confident to articulate responses to criticism.An implication of function finish is that social work practice becomes task-orientated and performance related (Hugman, 2003). It is for this reason that postmodernism has been recapitulationd for responding only to the surface of events with little inclination to explore what is behind this (Ferguson and Levalette, 1999). Social work is reduced to a set of organisational procedures dictated by codes of conduct, at a time the idea of a common theoretical base underpinning all social work practices is abandoned, the full implications of the controlling nature of legislation and policy can be unleashed (Howe, 1994, p.524).Having considered what characterises modern and postmodern social work we can begin to explore how these perspectives inform different aspects of social work. Given that social work is submerged in the welfare debate it seems a logical starting line point to consider in relation to postmodernism (Pease and Fook, 1999). Understanding postmodern theory in this sensation gives insight into the political and social climate that shapes practice. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the postmodern discourse. Writers such as Powell (2001) suggest that the welfare system provides an essential usance in taming unwieldy elements of capitalism through a terra firma supported redistributing welfare system. Although modernist thinkers would concede that the welfare state has never fully succeeded in addressing inherent inequalities, its very existence has change the standards of living for the majority (Noble, 2004). Therefore it is hardly surprising that concerns are being voiced over an increasing neo-liberal agenda and subsequent downsizing of the state in favour of a free securities industry economy (Midgly, 1999). The introduction of quasi-markets and mixed economies of care has resulted in what is referred to as a contract culture (Ife, 199). Powell (2001) suggests that the erosion of the welfare state has placed barriers to humanistic social policies and as a result professions such as social work campaign to retain central to service provision and to advance their wider aims of social justice.Postmodernism with its bring down for universal determine and ethics coupled with globalisation and the continued sprinkle of capitalism are the driving forces behind this change (Noble, 2004). Ritzer (1995) attempts to define the spot of society and social relationships in relation to a global market economy. Warning of the de-humanizing influences of large multi-national corporations Ritzer (1995, p34) highlights working practices that, exemplify the contemporary rationalisation routine within globalization of culture. The four main elements of these working practices evolving, efficiency, calculability and predictability are increasing present within social work.Naturally these concerns are not overlap by ev eryone. Many postmodern theorists argue that that the welfare state has continuously been a source of controversy never reaching consensus on how it should be organized, funded or distributed (Dominelli, 1996). Modernists can be critiqued for failing to ac familiarity the welfare state as a mechanism for reproducing social inequality through the path in which resources are accessed and priorities established (Walton 1975, cited by Dominelli, 2004). Giddens (1991) identifies the welfare state as bound to traditional family and gender systems. Fraser and Gordon (1994) observe the gendered nature of welfare suggesting that policies centred on dependency, often associated with femininity, continue negative representations of women and other disadvantages groups. Jordon and Jordan (2000) suggest instead that the terce Way in politics, dismissed as oppressive capitalism by commentators such as Bauman (2002), has a moral fibre in the sense of offering justice and comprehension without forcing conformity. Rights and freedoms are offered in the context of the market place, individuals have prize by means of being a consumer (Howe 1994). It is argued that the growth of the voluntary sector and changes to decision making and management structures are creating space for more innovative and personalised service delivery which is free from the constraints of institutional barriers (Walker, 2001).The modern postmodern debate gathers pace when considered in relation to anti-oppressive practice. here there are further concerns regarding the postmodernism influence on social work. Writers such as Ferguson and Levalette (1999) have argued that postmodern perspectives have little to contribute to anti-oppressive practice. Without universal ethics and values it becomes difficult to transform power relations or to identify common experiences that oppressed groups may share (Callinicos, 1995). The main critique that Ferguson and Levalette (1999) lobby on postmodernism is if a ll discourses are to be treated as valid the basis for distinguishing oppression is removed. Some feminists among other political critics argue that postmodernism, with its rejection of meta-narratives disempowers socially disadvantages groups at the very point at which they fill to imply emancipation in the name of universalistic fantasys of justice and equality (Leonard, 1997). To address this requires a separation of emancipatory theory from oppressive ideology. The notion that emancipation can have a normative foundation is considered by postmodernism to be unsound. provided advocates of modernity such as Hambermas (1987, cited by Leonard 1997) advocate the aim for a standard or a form of undistorted communication to remain in order to distinguish and challenge oppression.Smith (1994, p.26) raises concerns that in a postmodern society oppression becomes self defined, the relationship between an individuals social slip and their identity becomes separated resulting in no ob jective elbow room to locate a primary source of oppression. Smith (1994) also suggests that the exultation of diversity that postmodernism promises only serves to trivialise real oppression felt by many disenfranchised groups. Increasingly concepts of identity have replaced discourses of oppression (Ferguson and Levalette, 1999). confidential information the charge on identity is Giddens (1991) who asserts that individuals are rational and reflexive agents who create and shape their own identities. This assumption that identity is a matter of choice has been challenged significantly. Commentators such as (Skeggs, 2001) have argued that choice and reflexivity is a classed phenomenon with many individuals having few and often undesirable lifestyles from which to choose.There are of course call arguments to be considered here. To some postmodernists modernity is, or was depending upon their perspective, a Eurocentric, patriarchal and baneful force legitimised through the oral com munication of science (Pease and Fook, 1999). In a modern society those in positions of power are able to determine how knowledge is understood and what knowledge is relevant (Howe, 1994). Postmodernism rejects the idea that grand theories such as liberalism, socialism and psychoanalysis have offered explanations for human development suggesting instead that they perpetuate oppression by demanding consensus to their absolute notions (Bauman, 1992).A universal knowledge base that informs understanding of human demeanor naturally assumes something transferable that can be applied across all societies and cultures (Dominelli, 1996). It has been suggested that this form of universalism equates to cultural domination and the emf for racist ideology (Leonard, 1997).Within this critique postmodernism suggests that diversity should be celebrated as a reflection of the polymorphous, non-unitary and con-consensual nature of the social word (Howe, 1994, p.524). A relativist approach in contr ast to a universal approach suggests all forms of behaviour are local rendering notions of human nature redundant (Howe, 1994). Postmodernism challenges the notion that perspectives such as Radical or critical social work are the only means by which emancipation can be achieved. In this context adopting universal truths as a basis for emancipation is deemed arrogant and unethical (Noble, 2004). Postmodernism spurns the concept of reason as an empancipatory force and suggests that a more empowering approach is through the embracing of pluralism and difference (Dodd, 1999, p.212).A describe element of postmodernist thinking is the importance of language. From a postmodern perspective it is the discourses that constitute social and economic life (Ferguson and Levalette, 1999). Howe (1994, p.552) explains that Language, once thought scarcely to reflect reality, now appears to constitute our reality in an independent eye socket of its own which carries meaning and culture. The notion that power is embedded in language offers scope for social workers to critically reflect and challenge dominant discourses and assumptions to turn away perpetuating oppressive practices (Fook et al, 2000). This highlights the transformative capacity of critical postmodernism to improve practice and facilitate social change (Morley, 2004 p. 299). However Ferguson and Levalette (1999) observe that new language and terminology although a force for challenging oppressive categorisation, does not change the material situation individuals face.In summary it is worth considering how postmodern perspectives can be unite and developed to offer an approach to social work that integrates diversity and flexibleness of meaning with the possibility of an ethical discourse that is shared rather than secernate (Hugman 2003, p.1035). Critical postmodernism based on a constructionist approach, combines flexibility of meaning with the understanding that society is socially constructed through the ac tions and relationships of its members (Hugman, 2003). In this sense postmodernism does not need to equate to the disappearance of traditional social work but nor does it need to succumb to a neo-liberal agenda (Sim, 1999).Ferguson and Lavalette (1999, p.28) in support of Leonard (1997) suggest another(prenominal) avenue in combining the postmodernism and structural discourses, by combining postmodernist themes with socio economic developments (informed by a Marxian perspective on globalisation and post-fordism), a rejuvenated emanicpatory social work can be developed. Parton and OByrne 2000) discuss the application of an affirmative postmodern social work which opens up thought towards greater inclusion and less prescriptive theories and methods of practice. Ife (1999) and Pease and Fook (1999) also support a social work that values diversity and uncertainty but maintains a political struggle towards social justice based on a commitment to some universal ethical and values. These theories offer a way of managing a changing society without removing a unified knowledge base or without forcing a postmodern retreat. In other words they provide a way forward that incorporates the personal with the political so that both are structured into a more relevant social work discourse (Noble, 2004, p.2).This text has gone some way towards outlining postmodern perspectives of contemporary social work. From this abbreviated analysis we can see that social work developed during the arrest of enlightenment or the age of modernity. As a result its focus became the development of a universal theoretical framework that informs knowledge in order to challenge social oppression. Changes within society have tending(p) rise to postmodern theories which offer social work the possibility of a fluid, pluralistic approach that promotes diversity and participation through the validity of all perspectives. As we have discussed neither of these approaches is without challenge or crit ique.Consideration has been given to the impact of postmodernism upon the welfare state and thus social work, outlining concerns relating to a neo-liberal agenda but questioning at the same time the suggested empacipatory nature and role of the state. The impact of postmodernism on anti-oppressive practice has been debated and implications for social work considered. Conclusions have been offered in the form of theories that combine postmodernism with elements of universalism and structural analysis. It has been clear throughout this journey that postmodernist theories have and continue to impact upon social work practice. In conclusion giving consideration to a postmodern perspective helps assists social work to examine the diverse, provisional and uncertain nature of all aspects of our world, including knowledge and skills and values and ethics (Hugman, 2003, p.1037).Word count 2,679