In the Global Definition, social work is defined as both a practice and an academic discipline. However, a de-intellectualisation of social work is apparent. This is embodied in a focus in research and practice on the development of skills on the one hand, and on the other hand evidence-based tools, rather than critical analysis. As such, the theory-practice nexus becomes problematic: either theory is seen as ‘hindering’ real social work, or theory merely has to be ‘implemented’ by social workers. This is a reduction of both research and practice to a hegemonic instead of a dissenting activity. Both intuitive knowledge and evidence-based models tend to be conservative, focused on the status quo instead of social justice.
In this conference, we want to reimagine the theory-practice nexus. The central question is: how can both research and practice be intellectual dissenting activities, countering hegemonic thinking and contributing to social justice?
