On the theoretical architecture of Social Work ...between transgressions and demarcations of disciplinary boundaries

Abstract

The “theory of practice” formulated by Karin Böllert and Werner Thole calls for an empirically-reflexive theory formation process of social work, which contextualizes the current processes of transformation of the society. Research based questions can operationalize what effects and side effects of professional and disciplinary social work can be captured empirically and theoretically. It doesn’t attempt to measure the theorizing process to conventional forms of theorizing, but it calls for a specific social-pedagogy theory formation process by forming an independent research culture. This social-pedagogy research culture has both as its subject of research: the theory-building process and the social-pedagogy practice. The reflections on a social-pedagogy “theory of practice” are exemplified on the research perspectives “Social work as a welfare production” and “ethnography of social work practices”. They point out, that the theory-building process puts the social-pedagogy in the center of empirical interest because of the specifically implemented educational processes.