Book Review: Dissenting Social Work: Critical Theory, Resistance and Pandemic by Paul Michael Garrett

Abstract

adults? Finally, in straining to connect with accounts of the origins and forms of the welfare state, Anderson perhaps overplays the importance of sociological theory. Readers whose interest is in child labour will find the insistent theoretical framing and sociological terminology daunting. They may also be sceptical about its value. Surely it is clear without ‘pragmatist field theory’ that an ability to build alliances, to secure support by implicating local agencies in ideas and positions and to network across different elite groups was important in reformers’ success? It would be a shame if a too heavy theoretical touch deterred general readers who would gain from working through this carefully researched book, especially as its implications, spelled out in the closing chapter, provide real food for thought.