Abstract
Australia n Journa l of Wor k Socia l Vol. 22, No. 3 Ken Lukes has given us a very personal and provocative impression of the 11th National Conference in Hobart. Professor Lawrence's presidential address, the first "Norma Parker Address", has provoked much continuing discussion. "Th e consumer perspective in social welfare," he said, "is life on the other side of the helping relationship; on the receiving end of the services." He discussed what might...
Australia n Journa l of Wor k Socia l Vol. 22, No. 3 Ken Lukes has given us a very personal and provocative impression of the 11th National Conference in Hobart. Professor Lawrence's presidential address, the first "Norma Parker Address", has provoked much continuing discussion. "Th e consumer perspective in social welfare," he said, "is life on the other side of the helping relationship; on the receiving end of the services." He discussed what might contribute to the development of "social imagination" so that the consumer's feelings and point of view might be better understood. He said, "It is incredible how little evidence we have on the way consumers really view our social welfare services." It would be useful to have this statement explored in the Journal, for I believe there is much unwritten evidence available. I believe there is a great deal of direct exchange about services between clients and social workers, and more than a little "aggressive" social work, i.e. an active seeking or follow-up of clients. Several years ago Alice Overton encouraged us to see ourselves in partnership with clients, and many have striven for this. But what perhaps was not always acknowledged was that the
Australian Journal of Social Work – Taylor & Francis
Published: Sep 1, 1969
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