ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a relational social work that – by considering and working on the interrelations between individual and society – will maintain its competence. It discusses the concept of power for critical social work. The chapter aims at unfolding a relational-constructivist epistemology which helps to critically analyse the social conditions for social work. It describes the case for a relational constructivism and a relational social work to guide the critical social work paradigm. The epistemological approach of relational constructivism may contribute a linguistic and analytic instrument which can be used in professional practice. Relational constructivism focuses on doubts regarding the possibilities of human perception, doubts that have been expressed in occidental philosophy time and again. Inasmuch as social work takes account of the individual in his/her environmental conditions, paying attention to the importance of social and material conditions for life-world constructions is essential.
