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Article
So What? Now What? Implications for Youth Work Practice
Child & Youth Services (2008)
  • Ben Anderson-Nathe, Portland State University
Abstract
Youth work is a profession in development, engaged in the creation and practical application of its own theoretical base. This chapter connects the theoretical discussion and description of not-knowing to recommendations for practical action. Four lessons learned from the research are presented: (a) not-knowing is normal; (b) not-knowing cannot be prevented and need not be avoided; (c) the problems associated with not-knowing are more directly caused by youth workers' adherence to the myth of supercompetence; and (d) phenomenology offers a useful model for expanding youth work practice. From these lessons, recommendations are provided for front-line youth workers, supervisors, and the development of the profession as a whole.
Keywords
  • Social service -- Research -- Methodology,
  • Social work with youth -- United States
Disciplines
Publication Date
September 7, 2008
Publisher Statement
Copyright (2008) Taylor & Francis
Citation Information
Ben Anderson-Nathe. "So What? Now What? Implications for Youth Work Practice" Child & Youth Services Vol. 30 Iss. 1-2 (2008)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ben_anderson-nathe/13/