ABSTRACT
The basic issue to be confronted in this chapter arises from an apparent contradiction. On the one hand, modern social work writing seems to emphasise valuable part 'knowledge' plays or ought to play in social work. On the other hand, 'knowledge' in social work is so hedged around with qualification or application of knowledge is so beset by hesitation that a position of downright scepticism at least looms on the horizon. It has been seen as the only way in which social work could become scientific. Knowledge or the acquisition of a body of knowledge also provides the sharpest distinction between the professional and the layman. Social workers have become more aware of the resource of knowledge as a means of helping. They often seem to believe that if only knowledge of psychology or sociology could be more extensively tapped then their clients would be helped more speedily or more effectively.
