Similarities, Differences and Dialectics of Radical Social Work

Abstract

The current state of radical social work theory is not confined to an obscure or narrow corner of social work thought. This paper presents several areas of philosophical, theoretical, and practical agreement and disagreement among radical social work writers. It argues that the differences persist due to the inadvertent acceptance, on the part of many writers, of the le~itimacy of certain false dichotomies. A dialectical approach to radlcal. social work is needed to resolve these dichotomies. Such a dialectical approach would lead to greater integration of theory and better informed radical practice.