The Canadian Social Work Review: A Canadian Character of Social Work?
- 11 April 2022
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Journal of Progressive Human Services
- Vol. 33 (3), 271-286
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10428232.2022.2062695
Abstract
Noting that scholarly journals represent a particular repository of knowledge, we use content analysis to explore the constructions of social work represented in the Canadian Social Work Review – Revue canadienne de service social over 2010–2019. This journal is the only formal bilingual (French-English), peer-reviewed social work journal in the country. Rather than broadly reflecting Canadian realities and contexts, the emerging trends imply specific regional and social work program dominance, both in terms of authorship and issues explored. In part this is related to English-French language parity having been achieved, though this has led to other unintended consequences. While the published articles represent critical discourses and qualitative approaches are preferred, many articles do not address power, oppression and representation, particularly with regard to Indigenous, racialized and gendered groups. We conclude that the journal, whilst leaning toward a critical representation of social work, also reflects mainstream, dominant views of Canadian social work, the journal thus portraying the contested nature of Canadian social work. Mechanisms that add to existing Editorial Board efforts for further strengthening a critically interrogative lens may be required. Other social work journals may want to consider the story they are telling the profession and the ways in whichKeywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Social work as a recognised profession in the Pacific regionInternational Social Work, 2017
- Social work in East Africa: A mzungu perspectiveInternational Social Work, 2017
- The West and the Rest Divide: Human Rights, Culture and Social WorkJournal of Human Rights and Social Work, 2016
- L’état de la recherche en travail social dans les communautés francophones minoritaires au Canada : une topographie thématiqueReflets, 2016
- La construction du travail social en contexte francophone minoritaire au CanadaReflets, 2016
- Social work in East AsiaEuropean Journal of Social Work, 2015
- Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five ApproachesHealth Promotion Practice, 2015
- What's on Their Minds? The South African Child Welfare Academic Agenda from 2001 to 2010Social Work Education, 2013
- Developmental social work in South Africa: Translating policy into practiceInternational Social Work, 2012
- Three Approaches to Qualitative Content AnalysisQualitative Health Research, 2005