The Welfare State Crisis and the Transformation of Social Service Work

The authors explore the interplay between the implementation of cost- containment policies and the changing structure and content of social service practice, within the larger dynamics of the political economy. They explore the work patterns and practices of professional social workers currently employed in child welfare, health, and employment agencies.

This book has emerged in response to social service workers’ vivid descriptions of changes in the practice of their craft during the past 15 years and to the scanty literature that addressed their concerns. Few works have attempted to explore the interplay between the recent broader changes affecting the welfare state (fiscal crisis, cost containment, privatization, etc) and the restructuring of social service work. Yet, it is clear that the fiscal decisions of the 1980s profoundly affected both the context and content of social service practice. “The Welfare State Crisis and the Transformation of Social Service Work” explores how these larger forces have created significant changes for the line practitioner. The greater push for caseload volume in the face of resource scarcity is redefining service encounters in ways that are more likely to meet the fiscal needs of the agency rather than the service needs of clients and the professional concerns of the worker. In short, the fiscal crisis of the past two decades has placed the enterprise of social services at risk. After empirically documenting the seriousness of the risk, “The Welfare State Crisis and the Transformation of Social Service Work” concludes with an exploration of new social service practice strategies that have the potential to integrate the individual, organization, communal, and social changes necessary for effective service interventions.

Reviews

“Fabricant and Burghardt have made a major and novel contribution to the literature. This is an important book which addresses a neglected topic of significance for the study of social policy.”

–Journal of Sociology and Welfare

“A practical and accessible book that reflects the many complex issues in social services. … The authors constructively and responsibly offer concrete suggestions for change. … Much to offer service workers who want to make meaningful and long-term changes.”

–Journal of Progressive Human Services

“A timely book which addresses significant issues for the field of social welfare and, by implication, social work education as well. … Has considerable utility as a supplemental text in courses on social welfare policy, the history and philosophy of social welfare.”

–Journal of Teaching in Social Work

“The authors explore the interplay between the implementation of cost- containment policies and the changing structure and content of social service practice, within the larger dynamics of the political economy.”

–Reference & Research Book News