ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some questions concerning the philosophical and political basis of social work. This exploration will involve questions about the nature of knowledge as well as the nature of society and is based upon the conviction that unless social workers are prepared to examine some fundamental theoretical problems. The chapter discusses that the Marxist orientation provides a better definition of social reality than others. It demonstrates that in order to clarify the functions of social work in society it is essential to explore the various definitions of social situations relevant to these functions which will be held by all the participants, including clients, social workers, administrators, and politicians. The chapter argues that the reified view of society is mystifying; it masks the fact that major social groups in society, especially those centrally involved in the means of production, have different interests and these are frequently expressed in different values.
