Symbolic Interactionism and Social Work: A Forgotten Legacy, Part 2

Abstract

Social workers have forgotten their interactionist ancestors. This article is the second installment in a 2-part series designed to remedy this amnesia. Part 1 introduced the tradition of applied symbolic interactionism, reported on historical partnerships, and reviewed the social work use of symbolic interactionism as behavior theory and as a framework for helping varied size social systems. Part 2 reviews interactionist contributions to social work in varied fields of practice, to social policy and welfare, to research, and to professional education. The author argues that the time is opportune for reconciliation between justice-oriented social workers and critically minded interactionists. An appraisal of the social work use of the interactionist legacy and a summary of resources from within and outside North America for revitalizing this partnership are also provided.