The business model and social work: A conundrum for social work practice

The economic and social philosophies of the "New Right" which emphasise individualism and self-fulfillment have become widespread. In the last two decades it has grown particularly strong in Western societies. Self-fulfillment of the individual now commands its own moral imperative, and promotes the shutting out of the greater issues and concerns (political, historical and religious) that transcend the self. This paper examines the impact of "New Right" ideologies on social workers and social work practice, with particular reference to social workers in New Zealand's largest mental health institution, Porirua Hospital. It argues that a life course approach is necessary to understand social variations in health. It explores the accumulation of risk for the underprivileged in the market environment, with its concomitant constraints on human services. The paper reviews the inherent and fundamental conflict of objectives in the ethical positioning of social organizations, as against those of the "New Right." Finally, the paper argues for social and economic policies that would defend the socio-economically disadvantaged against an accumulation of risk in the critical periods of their life. It highlights survival strategies for social work in a marginalizing practice environment. (C) 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.