Published on 2023-09-27 by nich0121
Current social work practice is situated in the political-economic context of neoliberalism wherein business managerialism is applied to human-serving organizations, such as social services and nonprofit agencies. What kinds of pressures might workers face? Management pressures of productivity and efficiency, continuous monitoring and redirection, financial incentives/sanctions for productivity, and standardized practice are central tenets. Under such conditions professional discretion is challenged.
This podcast series is focused on the status of managerialism, professional discretion, and evidence of resistance of workers — all aspects that impact administrators, policy makers and workers. Dr. Toft and others provide a layered introduction to neoliberalism, social work and child welfare work. In this series, you will find historical review, past and current research, in-depth analysis, and interviews with experts and professionals.
For additional information, please view the Neoliberalism and Child Welfare Fact Sheets:
Introduction to Neoliberalism and Child Welfare
Dr. Traci LaLiberte speaks with Dr. Jessica Toft to introduce a three part series on Neoliberalism. Dr. Toft provides an in-depth introduction to Neoliberalism, Social Work and Child Welfare Work. The series will feature research and interviews describing how it relates to Social Work.
Podcast resources:
DR. JESSICA TOFT:
RESOURCES:
CITATION:
Toft, J. & LaLiberte, T. (Hosts). (2021, March 31). Introduction: Neoliberalism , Social Work, and Child Welfare Work. (introduction) In CASCW Core Series Podcast. Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare.
Episode 1: What is Neoliberalism and Why Does it Matter for Social Work
Dr. Toft and PhD candidate Ruti Soffer-Elnekave dive into what neoliberalism actually is and why it matters in social work practice. They discuss transactional interaction and exchange, social contracts and social provisioning, marketization and the important connection to social service providers and non-profit work. The hosts also discuss the complexities of the social work profession as it relates to client engagement, risk assessment, and prevention.
Podcast resources:
CITATION:
Toft, J. & Soffer-Elnekave, R.1 (Hosts). (2021, April 7). What is Neoliberalism and Why Does it Matter for Social Work? (episode 1) In CASCW Core Series Podcast. Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare.
Episode 2: Research on Neoliberalism and the Impact on Child Welfare Services
Dr. Jessica Toft and PhD candidate Ruti Soffer-Elnekave take a look at what early research tells us about how neoliberalism affects child welfare services. For example, limits on worker protections such as unions, healthcare accessibility, and government regulations on TANF for families.
Podcast resources:
- Privatizing adoption and foster care: Applying auction and market solutions
- The meaning and making of childhood in the era of globalization: Challenges for social work
- The Perils of Privatization: Bringing the Business Model into Human Services
- History Matters: Racialized Motherhoods and Neoliberalism
- REFERENCES
CITATION: Toft, J. & Soffer-Elnekave, R.1 (Hosts). (2021, April 14). How Neoliberalism Affects Child Welfare Services: What Early Research Shows.(episode 2) In CASCW Core Series Podcast. Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare.
Episode 3: Interviews with Mimi Abramovitz and Jennifer Zelnick
In this episode Professor Jessica Toft interviews Mimi Abramovitz and Jennifer Zelnick to discuss their New York City study about managerialism impact on social service providers.
Podcast resources:
CITATION: Toft, J.(Host). (2021, April 21). Mimi Abramovitz and Jennifer Zelnick Discuss Their New York City Study About Managerialism Effects on Social Service Providers.(episode 3) In CASCW Core Series Podcast. Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare.
Episode 4: Survey Findings of Licensed Social Workers in Minnesota
Dr. Jessica Toft and PhD candidate Ruti Soffer-Elnekave discuss survey findings from a scoping review they conducted in which they summarized the literature that discussed what neoliberalism actually is and how it interfaces with social work, specifically working conditions. The hosts examine the impact on child welfare social workers in Minnesota.
Podcast resources:
Episode 5: Professional Discretion: New Ideas and Stories from the Field
Dr. Toft introduces new thinking on what professional discretion in social work is. She interviews social workers from child protection, housing, and mental health about their professional discretion struggles and successes in the current practice landscape.
Podcast resources:
Episode 6: Professional Resistance
Dr. Toft introduces new thinking on social work resistance to business managerialism. She interviews social workers from child protection, housing, and mental health about their resistance efforts in the current practice landscape.
Podcast resources: