“Manufacturing” Failed Parenthood: An Unintended Consequence of Child Welfare Social Work under the Influence of Positivism

Abstract

This article aims to examine the differences between the assumptions of social work and the assumptions of positivism. The article focuses on the influences of positivism on child welfare social work and the resulting unintended consequences. The alternative research methodologies that are more compatible with social work values are discussed. The background of this article is based on child welfare practice in Canada with illustrations on Chinese families who are involved with the child welfare system.