Episode 51: Charting a New Path | Dissenting Social Work with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett

The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, Christian Ace engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett about dissent and decolonization in social work. Recorded live from the heart of social work education in Galway, Ireland, the episode delves into critical themes shaping the future of the profession.

Dr. Paul Michael Garrett, a renowned social work educator and writer, brings his extensive expertise to the discussion, shedding light on the challenges and importance of dissent in a profession often at risk of falling into compliance. With a keen focus on decolonization, Dr. Garrett emphasizes the need to stretch reading lists, critically analyze canonical figures, and listen to the diverse experiences of students to promote dissenting social work.

Throughout the conversation, the concept of neoliberalism and its impact on social work practice emerges, highlighting the urgent need for collective action and solidarity among social workers. Dr. Garrett advocates for trade unions as crucial support systems for social workers engaged in dissent, underscoring the importance of building networks and alliances within the profession.

The episode also addresses the incorporation of decolonization into social work education, stressing the significance of learning from perspectives outside of Eurocentric frameworks. Dr. Garrett challenges social work educators to create more inclusive learning environments by embracing diverse voices and critically examining existing power structures.

As the conversation unfolds, the challenges of online education and the overprofessionalization of social work are explored, alongside the imperative of addressing the systemic issues of colonization and capitalism embedded within the profession. Dr. Garrett calls for critical activism and progressive responses to confront these challenges head-on, emphasizing the role of social work in promoting social justice and equity.

In conclusion, Episode 51 serves as a rallying cry for social workers to embrace dissent, decolonize their practice, and actively engage in transformative change. Through critical reflection and collective action, social work can fulfill its promise as a force for positive social transformation.

Join the conversation and explore the transformative power of dissent and decolonization in social work with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dissenting-Social-Work-Critical-Resistance-ebook/dp/B08SXZ7XYQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BEG9X02MXG7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EQf4MCDEUfoIvzh2yD7TFh4R4hRBMMmf7Y86mNMesBvdaNgJWIPnIUPj6rTymQNei6nBVd_4DEt3XvwMcEe47-IxyMz3gSfy3ce9cTV2lVE0of3TVc9_ouTjSCGxKYuRUOuGZDqpUW1DmHKtf1axREa4zuWVliPMZXvTsX7tXrG_PKZwrA7oeN3oHIRWyfmGfKnCkaH7lLeHbvHjmKPmUSB4qiBh2_AtZ4iD8o5QERs.ZTXsYtMOcmCuHyuM1-KZyYfzV4EXxXrwnguPTMfUkjI&dib_tag=se&keywords=paul+michael+garrett&qid=1713826283&sprefix=paul+michael+garrett%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

Article Link: https://academic.oup.com/bjsw/advance-article/doi/10.1093/bjsw/bcae018/7615071article/doi/10.1093/bjsw/bcae018/7615071