Professional Knowledge Reconsidered

Vera Taube

Professional Knowledge Reconsidered

Číslo: 4/2021
Periodikum: Sociální práce

Klíčová slova: working amid competing interests, history of ideas, professional social work, knowledge base, social work research

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Anotace: OBJECTIVES: This article presents the history of ideas as a valuable perspective for social

work science to advance the connectivity of the discipline’s knowledge base and improve its use
for practice. THEORETICAL BASE: Starting point are profession theoretical considerations
about social work as a profession acting under uncertainty. This characteristic feature of the
profession leads to particular demands on knowledge for reflective practice. METHODS: General
knowledge forms such as theories, evidence, and tacit knowledge are assessed systematically
for their potential to guide practice. An additional knowledge type denoted as history of ideas
is introduced conceptually and discussed for its added value for social work’s knowledge base.
OUTCOMES: The use of existing knowledge is limited in guiding practice under uncertainty
because it lacks an independent momentum for profession-oriented decision-making. SOCIAL
WORK IMPLICATIONS: The existing knowledge base needs a supplement. History of ideas is
suggested to complement the existing knowledge forms. It relates other forms of knowledge to the
professions’ traditions and identity and enriches the existing knowledge base with an independent,
profession-oriented perspective. As a conclusion, history of ideas is identified as a valuable research
perspective for social work research.