MTU Cork Library Catalogue

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Observation and its application to social work : rather like breathing / edited by Pat Le Riche and Karen Tanner.

Contributor(s): Le Riche, Pat | Tanner, Karen.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: London : Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1998Description: 224 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. + pbk.ISBN: 1853026298 ; 1853026301 .Subject(s): Social work education | Social case work -- Methodology | Observation (Psychology) | Power (Social sciences)DDC classification: 361.32
Contents:
Introduction -- The dimensions of observation -- Towards an equality model -- A process and an event -- Observing the unthinkable in residential care for children -- Beyond the bureauprofessional -- Holding a mirror to the institution -- Observing management -- The observer as participant -- Conclusion.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Copy number Status Date due Barcode Item holds
General Lending MTU Bishopstown Library Lending 361.32 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 00082383
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Introduction -- The dimensions of observation -- Towards an equality model -- A process and an event -- Observing the unthinkable in residential care for children -- Beyond the bureauprofessional -- Holding a mirror to the institution -- Observing management -- The observer as participant -- Conclusion.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Acknowledgements (p. 7)
  • Introduction (p. 9)
  • 1. The Dimensions of Observation Objective Reality or Subjective Interpretation (p. 17)
  • 2. Towards an Equality Model Observation Through a Power Lens (p. 39)
  • 3. A Process and an Event The Use of Observation by Practice Assessors and Practice Teachers (p. 63)
  • 4. Observing the Unthinkable in Residential Care for Children (p. 91)
  • 5. Beyond the Bureauprofessional Observational Study as a Vehicle for Interprofessional Learning and User-Centred Practice in Community Care (p. 111)
  • 6. Holding a Mirror to the Institution Observation and the Training of Approved Social Workers (p. 143)
  • 7. Observing Management The Contribution of Observation to Management in the Personal Social Services (p. 163)
  • 8. The Observer as Participant The Role of Observation in Systemic Couple and Family Therapy (p. 183)
  • Conclusion (p. 205)
  • The Contributors (p. 217)
  • Index (p. 219)
  • Figures
  • Individual as observer and actor in social settings
  • Observation matrix
  • The layers of personal, professional and bureauprofessional identity
  • Empowering the user/client/patient
  • Sustaining the caregiver
  • Caring in context
  • Working collaboratively
  • Acknowledging limitations
  • Breaking the bureauprofessional circuit

Author notes provided by Syndetics

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.

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