Developing a Science of Social Work

• Summary: This article is based on an analysis of the German debate on the need and possibilities of developing a science of social work (see Göppner and Hämäläinen, 2003, 2004). Basic elements of a programme for developing a science of social work are discussed. • Findings: The results have been enormously influential in demonstrating that the confusion regarding the theoretical foundation of social work may inconvenience social work practice as well as the development of the field as a functional system. • Applications : It is argued that the need for avoiding theoretical atomism and incoherence can be met more adequately through developing a science of social work than by confusing a number of theories.