Walking on Eggshells: Acts of Resistance in Social Work
The Emerald International Handbook of Activist Criminology
ISBN: 978-1-80262-200-3, eISBN: 978-1-80262-199-0
Publication date: 9 August 2023
Abstract
In social work, as in other disciplines, activism receives mixed responses within the academy, in professional practice and for those who cling to unyielding professionalism. There is a gulf between those who favour research and practice neutrality and those striving for systemic change. The co-option of non-state actors into political discourses, policies and practices is increasingly normalised. Drawing on reflections, observations and campaign examples, this chapter discusses social work activism as resistance to racialised neoliberal politics. It highlights endeavours by civil society actors of conscience, devised to restore humanity at a time when national and international norms have severely ruptured. Two illustrative examples from Australia are used: ‘illegalised’ people seeking asylum and Islamophobia. Although dissent and disruption are hallmarks of critical social work, with social workers having the potential to position themselves as human rights defenders, this prospect is weakened through expectations in research, teaching and practice.
Keywords
Citation
Briskman, L. (2023), "Walking on Eggshells: Acts of Resistance in Social Work", Canning, V., Martin, G. and Tombs, S. (Ed.) The Emerald International Handbook of Activist Criminology (Emerald Studies in Activist Criminology), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 391-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-199-020231026
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023 Linda Briskman