Integrated View on Theory and Practice of Social Work – An Answer to the Human Challenge of the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper aims at revealing an intricate essence of social work, determined by the qualities of developing information and knowledge society, and attempts to detect a theory to ground this essence il1 a most general way. It has been determined that a proportion of two action theories, the espoused and action-in-use theories, reveals such an integrated view to the theory and practice of social work. This proportion can be empowered by the usage of a double-loop learning which enables changing not only action strategies, but also their value basis. This is the only means to secure the improvement of theories-il1-use which determines a person's ability to solve his or her problems. To implement such an integrated view towards the theory and practice of social work, social work professionals are required to possess a broad multidisciplinary training, open mind, critical thinking, and reflection-based action research skills. Therefore, such professionals have to undergo modern action-based university studies which encompass broad theoretical education and practical work.