British Journal of Social Work releases free-to-read 50th anniversary edition

The special release features 50 articles focusing on key legislation and policy landmarks in the profession since 1970.

The journal, according to the authors of an accompanying editorial including Ruth Allen and Gerry Nosowska, examines how the profession has changed since the launch of the journal and examine the response of social work practice and social work as a profession.

“We also wanted to take in prominent and enduring themes as well as key developments and movements. We wanted to show how the BJSW had contributed to the shaping of social work in the UK and how examination of the past can inform the present and enhance future directions.”

They stress, however, that the selection is not a “sacred canon”, adding that it is rather “a selection of work that illuminates our growth and evolution.”

“Crucially, it invites the reader to draw their own conclusions about how far we have come as a profession and academic discipline.”

The journal has come a long way since its launch in 1971, when it brought together different fields of practice, striving to give social work the status and recognition of other professions.

Articles in the virtual edition have been grouped in four collections, deemed ‘crucial’ in understanding social work and its history:
1) Social Work with Children, Young People, and Families
2) Social Work with Adults
3) Social Work Education and the Workforce
4) Theory, Research, Ethics, and Values

The BJSW 50th Virtual Edition will be free to access until the end of June 2021.