Social Work in Philippine Municipalities: A Critical Organizational Study

Abstract

This article examines the organizational context of social workers in Philippine municipal governments. Recognizing the influence of the organizational context on social work practice, the article analyzes the distribution of power in Philippine municipal bureaucracies and the extent of influence municipal mayors have over the administration of local social welfare programs and services and the social workers who manage them. The analysis explores how workers manage to thrive in the face of the highly unequal relationship they have with their superiors and considers the implications for social work practice.

Keywords:

• local governance
• organization
• Philippines
• politics
• social services