Constructing social work identity based on the reflexive self

In this article, the social work identity is conceptualized based on concepts of the self (Benjamin, 1995; Foucault, 1988), rather than concepts associated with ego psychology. Social work students, teachers and practitioners have historically attempted to gain a sense of ego mastery and control by the acquisition of theory to enhance skill-based practice expertise (Austin, 1952; Zetzel, 1953; Bandler, 1960; Memmot and Brennan, 1998). In so …