Quest for a Radical Profession - by David Wagner (Paperback)

About the Book

This book, based on in-depth interviews of radical social workers, who at one time were associated with the Catalyst collective, explores through oral history the social psychological effects of upward mobility on political ideology.

Book Synopsis

This book, based on in-depth interviews of radical social workers, who at one time were associated with the Catalyst collective, explores through oral history the social psychological effects of upward mobility on political ideology. Historically large numbers of idealistic activists entered social work and other human services professions, but there have been few studies about the careers of such individuals and what has happened to radicals who pursue careers as community organizers, caseworkers or therapists, administrators or planners. Contents: A Radical Professionalism?; Radical Social Work; The Moral Careers of Radical Social Service WorkersóBecoming Radical, Becoming Social Workers, Images of Success/Worlds of Pain, and Occupations and Ideology; Radicalism, Social Action, and Social Service CareersóThe Decline of Oppositional Activism, Politics at the Retail Level: "Radical Practice", The Absorption of Radicalism; and Bibliography.

Review Quotes

"Readers interested in social activism and the history of radical social work will find this a valuable study of individual changes." --Adult Residential Care Journal

"...this book provides an insightful journey into the meaning of radicalism as a personal and professional philosophy." --Families In Society: S Journal Of Contemporary Social Sciences

"It is, to say the least, a fascinating read and a most provocative text." --Journal Of Progressive Human Services

"...presents a very fascinating account of factors which contribute to the reasons why some individuals sustain a commitment to activism and others do not." --Humanity & Society

"...should be required reading for all social work students and professionals." --Social Work

"...a valuable picture of the times and of the collective studied." --Choice Reviews

"Readers interested in social activism and the history of radical social work will find this a valuable study of individual changes." --Adult Residential Care Journal

"...this book provides an insightful journey into the meaning of radicalism as a personal and professional philosophy." --Families In Society: S Journal Of Contemporary Social Sciences

"It is, to say the least, a fascinating read and a most provocative text." --Journal Of Progressive Human Services

"...presents a very fascinating account of factors which contribute to the reasons why some individuals sustain a commitment to activism and others do not." --Humanity & Society

"...should be required reading for all social work students and professionals." --Social Work