ABSTRACT
We have chosen this paper, in large part, because it serves as an antidote to much of what is written about research today. In it, Bob Holman makes an impassioned plea for research that is led by values and principles, not numbers and equations; for research that is less about what we (academics and practitioners) can get out of it, and more about how it might help to alleviate the conditions of those who are marginalised and oppressed, that is, the poor, who make up the majority of social work service users. Written more than 35 years ago, our aim is to introduce this piece (and Bob Holman) to a new readership with the hope that readers will find him as inspiring as we do. The further reading offers a broader look at literature on the theory and practice of research in social work.
