Constructing social work identity based on the reflexive self

In this article, the social work identity is conceptualized based on concepts of the self (Benjamin, 1995; Foucault, 1988), rather than concepts associated with ego psychology. Social work students, teachers and practitioners have historically attempted to gain a sense of ego mastery and control by the acquisition of theory to enhance skill-based practice expertise (Austin, 1952; Zetzel, 1953; Bandler, 1960; Memmot and Brennan, 1998). In so doing, they have attempted to manage anxiety as a means to enhance learning. Traditional social work functions such as acceptance, non-judgemental attitudes, and empathy (Biestek, 1957; Woods and Hollis, 1990) have been utilized to encourage practitioners to manage their feelings related to difference. We argue, however, that the social work identity is enriched when social workers allow their selves to be in a state of disassembly in the presence of the other (Smith, 1997). When social workers experience their selves as complex and dialogical, they are more open to the influence of the other (Bakhtin, 1993). We make the case for practitioners to work on a reflexive self rather than attempting to achieve ego control through the management of anxiety.