ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the neoliberal changes which have created complex structural, ideological and relational circumstances and their consequences for social work practice. It shows how critical reflection serves as a tool that can help social workers to scrutinise the theories and values underpinning their profession, so that they can resist mechanisms behind increasing inequalities and social problems. Critical reflection aims at deconstructing discourses of categories and power imbalances shaping both theory and practice in social work and is an example of an intersectional perspective. The chapter explores the experiences of social workers, and finds recurring themes in their reflections on practice such as experiences of power or powerlessness, categorisation and prejudice. Categorisation in social work is not only inevitable and necessary for maintaining order, harmony and comprehension, but also creates and reinforces discrimination against dominated groups. The processes through which categorisations interact with face-to-face encounters play key roles in the construction of social identities.
