Ideology, scientific theory, and social work practice

This article discusses the philosophical and ideological nature of theory and examines the ways ideology becomes infused into social work theory and practice. The use of critical thought and specific evaluation criteria based on consistency with social work values are proposed. IN RECENT TIMES, SOCIAL W O R K and many of the helping professions have placed a heavy emphasis on practice that is based on scientifically derived theories and knowledge. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics explicitly mandates that professional practice include empirically based knowledge, the evaluation of programs and interven-tions, and that social workers "critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice " (NASW, 1996, p. 4) Thus, in our attempt to shape and mold professional practice, the