The radical challenge

Abstract

Radicalism in social work is an accumulation of social and political critiques from a variety of sources. The uneasy coexistence of these critiques results from the contradictory position in which radicals find themselves. The springboard of radicalism is a rejection of social work in any of its present forms as anything but an institutionalised substitute for the caring relationships which people in any predicament could expect and enjoy in a less exploitative society. On the other hand many radicals believe that those who are exploited or rejected by society should pursue their rights as forcefully as possible, and social work offers one method of helping them towards a position to do so. Radicals are also faced with having to earn a living themselves and resisting their own exploitation. The resulting contradictions make it difficult if not impossible to act consistently. Facing up to them, and simultaneously attempting to maintain open and honest relationships with clients in conditions which favour deceit, make radicalism a vulnerable and painful undertaking.