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Mind the Gaps: The rise and implications of cynicism within social work
Carey, Malcolm
Carey, Malcolm
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Publication Date
2012-08-24
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Abstract
This paper explores the notable rise of cynicism among state social workers in Britain.
Theoretically, cynicism has been viewed as ‘deviant emotion’ and pathology or as offering
a type of employee resistance that may protect or support a person’s identity.
Drawing upon case study research with practising social workers, the article looks at
three different case examples of employee cynicism. These include the cynic as organisational
survivor, disenfranchised sceptic or altruist. It was found that, although cynicism
within social work predominately emerges as an emotional response to structural
change, other factors such as those embodied within professional discourses and government
or academic rhetoric can also impact. Other factors such as risk-averse assumptions
that distance the practitioner from the ‘service user’ or colleagues can also have
influence. Although often viewed negatively, cynicism can greatly benefit an organisation
or motivate a practitioner to challenge normative principles and promote the needs
of service users and carers.
Citation
Carey, M. (2014). Mind the Gaps: The rise and implications of cynicism within social work. The British Journal of Social Work, 44 (1), pp. 127-144.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Journal
The British Journal of Social Work
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Type
Article
Language
en
Description
This is a pre-copy edited, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in British Journal of Social Work following peer review. The version of record Carey, M. (2014). Mind the Gaps: The rise and implications of cynicism within social work. British Journal of Social Work, 44 (1), pp. 127-144 is available online at: http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/1/127
Series/Report no.
ISSN
0045-3102
EISSN
1468-263X