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Social Justice as Concept and Practice in Australian Social Work: An Analysis of Norma Parker Addresses, 1969–2008

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 16:35 authored by Taylor, SD, Anthea Vreugdenhil, Schneiders, MA
Social justice is central to Australian social work. Principles of social justice underpin the definition of social work as a profession, its code of ethics, and its standards of practice and education. However, there is a dearth of empirical research regarding what social justice has meant to social work over time and how it has been enacted in practice, topical as social inequalities continue to escalate. As a first-stage study, this paper examines how social justice was represented within 19 Norma Parker Addresses delivered by Presidents of the Australian Association of Social Workers at national conferences between 1969 and 2008. Two key themes were evident: social justice as a concept and social justice as social work practice. Social justice was represented conceptually throughout the Addresses as an enduring guiding principle and moral responsibility for social work. How social justice was enacted in practice included themes of: standpoint; practices and strategies; educating social workers; and contested and constrained practice. The meanings and practices of social justice were embedded within the changing contexts within which the Addresses were delivered. Further historical studies can inform social work knowledge, practice, and critical reflection as the profession continues to evolve and confront persistent social justice challenges.

History

Publication title

Australian Social Work

Volume

70

Issue

sup1

Pagination

46-68

ISSN

0312-407X

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Routledge

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Australian Association of Social Workers

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Government and politics not elsewhere classified

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