Critical social work theory does not hold one single definition; rather it refers to an expansive range of theories that a share similar orientation. Critical social work is committed to working with and for oppressed populations to achieve social transformation. Critical social work recognizes that large scale social processes namely those associated with class, race and gender fundamentally contribute to the personal and social issues social workers encounter in practice (Healy, 2001). The core mission of critical social work is to promote social justice through social work practice and policy making. Critical social work draws on structural and postmodern approaches. Similarities and differences exist between these approaches in terms of purpose, principles of practice, underlying assumptions and values and the relationship between the social worker and service user. Both of these approaches possess strengths and limitations which will be discussed in this essay and......
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