Practice Theory and Vested Interests

The current effort to develop a new model of basic social work practice has been met by varied criticism and resistance. A major source of such resistance arises from vested interests in the status quo. Important changes in social work practice and education are associated with a new paradigm for practice, the emergence of which is described. Varied objections and related issues in the present controversies about practice theory are identified. Several suggestions are made to help resolve differences and to advance the theory-building and consensus-building tasks.