Social work is being constantly shaped by external forces such as new information technology
managerialism increased public accountability and programme risk management. Although an
appreciation of how these forces impact on direct service is required an exclusive focus on
them can prevent social workers from genuinely embracing current practice opportunities.
Existentialism - a philosophy that emphasises our existence in the world as free and
responsible agents helping to shape our own experiences through the choices we make - has
influenced the development of social work almost from its origins. This ground-breaking text
highlights social work's existential heritage and the existential threats and challenges to
current social work practice and explores how existential philosophy can help direct service
social workers find purpose and meaning in their daily practice in a radically uncertain and
alienated twenty first century world. This is a fascinating read from one of theleading
scholars in existentialist social work and an essential guide for today's student and
practitioner in the application of existential social work practice.
