Résumés
Abstract
The field of social work is currently wrestling with a number of divergent theories and concepts as it seeks to discover ways of thinking about social issues, client worlds, and best practices. Yet many of those eclectically gathered theories are not aligned logically or philosophically. This has led to a disjointed, ad hoc, and disunited theoretical basis within the field that has, arguably, weakened its collective effectiveness, reputation, and impact. Erich Fromm (1900-1980), a German-born psychoanalyst and philosopher, offers a number of theoretical ideas, stances, and directions that may improve social work’s theoretical underpinnings and perhaps even provide some foundational elements useful for the creation of a unified theory of human functioning in the world. This article explores Fromm’s body of work with the intention of applying a selection of his ideas to social work theory, policy, and practice. Remedies to resolve the bifurcation of psyche-based and society-based theories are discussed. Following this is a presentation of Fromm’s concept of “social character” as well as implications for social work practice.
Keywords:
- Theory,
- practice,
- Erich Fromm,
- social character
Résumé
Le domaine du service social tente actuellement de composer avec un certain nombre de théories et de concepts contradictoires dans sa quête pour découvrir des moyens d’envisager les questions sociales, le monde des clients et les pratiques exemplaires. Or, bon nombre de ces théories réunies de divers endroits ne s’inscrivent pas dans la même veine logique ni philosophique. Cela a mené à un fondement théorique décousu, épars et désuni en service social, ce qui en a sans doute affaibli son efficacité d’ensemble, sa réputation et son incidence. Le psychanalyste et philosophe allemand Erich Fromm (1900-1980) a offert différentes conceptions, positions et orientations qui pourraient solidifier les fondements théoriques du service social et peut-être même offrir des éléments de base utiles à l’élaboration d’une théorie unifiée du fonctionnement humain dans le monde. Le présent article explore l’ensemble des travaux de Fromm dans l’optique de mettre en application une partie de ses idées à la théorie, aux politiques et à la pratique du service social. Il aborde des solutions pour résoudre la bifurcation des théories issues de la psychologie et des théories fondées sur la société. Enfin, l’article s’attarde au concept de « caractère social » de Fromm ainsi qu’à ses incidences pour la pratique du service social.
Mots-clés :
- Théorie,
- pratique,
- Erich Fromm,
- caractère social
Parties annexes
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