ABSTRACT
Gilles Deleuze’s philosophical work continues to have a distinct influence on a wide range of disciplines from education to environmental studies and from politics to fine art. However, his influence, to date, in social work is minimal. This chapter draws on creative encounters with two adults who have lifelong experience of social services to argue that Deleuze’s thought is highly relevant for social work practice. His key concept “the dogmatic image of thought” is used to discuss the ways in which common sense can have a detrimental influence on engagement with people diagnosed with autism and complex disability. His concepts of “affect”, “minor” and “rhizome” are employed to articulate how oppressive norms might be countered and lead to meaningful relations with people who are perceived as difficult to engage. It is ultimately argued that Deleuzian thought has the potential to inform the minute detail of personal interaction and in doing so challenge the micro politics of systemic social work norms. The implications for both practice and education are discussed in this chapter.
