School Social Work—Some Possibilities and Limitations

Abstract

Next to the family, school exercises the most powerful and concerted influence on children and young persons. Each of these systems¹ influences the other² yet all too often little attempt is made to delineate those areas where the influences produce conflict, or to identify ways in which the two systems can co-operate. In a society which on the one hand supports an elitist system of education yet denigrates academic prowess, and on the other upholds a “stand on your own two feet” attitude to welfare, it should come as no surprise that many children in our schools are experiencing difficulties.