• ISBN13: 9781032470610
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject: Sociology and Anthropology
• Publisher: T&F
• Publisher Imprint: Routledge
• Publication Date: November 12, 2025
• Pages: 104
• Original Price: GBP 35.99
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 210 grams

This book problematises and then reshapes critical social work to bring a range of perspectives to what constitutes truly effective and ethical social work practice, moving beyond binary oppositions (where two states or concepts that are defined as opposite to each other) to create new words and concepts to be inclusive of a range of identities, practice contexts, and groups or communities of service users.

Currently, critical social work, derived from sociological critical theories proliferated in the 1960s enjoys dominance as the theory that encompasses the ethical principles of social work in Australia. While on the surface critical social work appears to align with the Australian Association of Social Workers’ ethical principles of social justice, professional integrity, and respect for persons, practitioners and students alike find enacting it can be problematic in complex practice situations.

Reporting original research of cases from the field, the book focusses on the impact of intersectionality and shows new ways to address the nuance of othering and modern-day colonialism.

It will be of interest to researchers, practitioners and students who are keen to engage with the latest in the field of critical social work and consider implications of this for the development of their own identity.

Sophie Goldingay (PhD) is Associate Professor and Course Director of the Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.

Joleen Ryan is an academic currently teaching social work at the National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research, Innovation Institute at Deakin University.

Angela Daddow (EdD) is a senior sessional academic at Deakin University and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.