1.1 Looking in depth at Barnett’s model of critical practice
Barnett’s model in Figure 1 suggests some ways that may be relevant for developing your own practice. The three overlapping domains can be interpreted in different ways and some examples are provided in the following interactive. Click on each tab to find out more.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Activity 1 encourages you to consider where you see your own practice in relation to Barnett’s model so that you can potentially identify any learning and development needs.
Activity 1 Reflecting on your own critical practice
Timing: Allow about 35 minutes
Answer the following questions.
- Which aspects of critical practice are already familiar to you?
- Barnett’s model emphasises negotiation and supporting empowerment. Do you think people using services and carers are aware of this aspect of the social work role?
- Are there aspects of Barnett’s model that could be improved or updated?
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Discussion
- Barnett argues that critical practice will combine your analysis of situations, your actions as a social worker, and your awareness and use of self in a process of continuous negotiation with people using services. Some of this may be familiar to you from previous social work practice.
- People asking for help from or using social work services will have different perceptions of your role. As well as the positive experiences many people have of social work, others understand that the profession has considerable legal powers and, at times, social workers may be expected to act as gatekeepers to the resources people need. They may also have views and feelings about previous involvement with social workers. It can be helpful to explore with people using services how they see your role; an open discussion about this is one way to support empowerment, whatever the context of your practice.
- Some members of the Social Work team at The Open University thought that Barnett’s model could have been more explicit about critical action. One such member told us:
- … ‘working with difference’ towards empowerment feels a bit vague and I think it would be better if specific forms of discrimination were referred to. For example, social workers could think about what action they could take to make services more welcoming, or how to improve parents’ participation in meetings about their children. This would make what is meant by critical action a bit clearer. However, the model is a good reminder that critical practice is a process with different dimensions.
You have now looked at some definitions and applications of critical practice which are widely applicable in social work.