Turning Base Metal into Gold: Transmuting Art, Practice, Research and Experience into Knowledge

Abstract

This paper examines the theoretical underpinnings of an ongoing, innovative, arts-based social intervention research study in light of contemporary theory on knowledge production.It begins by outlining the nature of the study, which seeks to raise community awareness of domestic violence, and the context in which it is being conducted. Thereafter, it examines the relationship between social work and art and argues that the situated knowledge of Mode 2 knowledge production is more useful for social workers -and artists -engaged in participatory community practice than science-driven Mode 1.

Building resilience through group visual arts activities: Findings from a scoping study with young people who experience mental health complexities and/or learning difficulties

“…Thus, lately we find social work research exploring the ways in which artists now share common objectives with social workers (Gray & Schubert, 2010), and artists exploring the contribution they can make to the subjects of social work (Sutherland & Accord, 2007). This research paper is the result of a collaboration between a social and cultural geographer interested in arts practices (Macpherson) and two academics in child and community health who have expertise in resilience (Hart and Heaver).…”

Ready for Qualified Practice? A Comparative Study of Capability for Critical Reflection and Analysis of MA Social Work and MA Step Up to Social Work Students at the End of Second Placement

“…The PCF description of 'critical reflection and analysis' refers to evidence (Knott & Scragg, 2007), practice (Gray & Schubert 2010) and learning strategies (Jennert, 2008) as suggested in the literature on reflection. However, the consideration of emotion (Fook & Gardner, 2007) is not expressed in this PCF domain and purposeful planning for action (Payne, 2009) is only implied with reference to decision-making.…”

“…However, with few exceptions (Tov, Kunz & Stämpfli, 2013;Fook & Gardner, 2007) there is a lack of clear process models for reflection (Jennert, 2008). The literature suggests that reflection needs to include thinking about best evidence (Knott & Scragg, 2007), practice (Gray & Schubert 2010), emotions (Fook & Gardner, 2007), learning strategies (Jennert, 2008) and always lead to action (Payne, 2009). …”

Sustainable social work: Modelling knowledge production, transfer, and evidence‐based practice

“…Knowledge in social work is being transformed by evidence‐based practice (Gray et al., 2009; Parton, 2008; Rafferty & Steyaert, 2009) and there is some agreement that social work needs to broaden the horizons of evidence‐based practice beyond Mode 1 meta‐analysis, systematic reviews and RCTs to embrace Mode 2 forms of research engagement (Gabbay et al., 2003; Gray et al., 2009; Gray & Schubert, 2010a). Gray & Schubert's (2010b) approach is an example of an attempt to make experience‐based knowledge visible while setting it within an evidence‐based practice framework, such that research and practice represent a ‘synthesis of knowledge’ (Alexanderson et al., 2009: 136) from diverse sources. This approach is highly consistent with learning organisation models of knowledge production, where key sources of knowledge for evidence‐based practice include research evidence, the views and expectations of service users, and the experience‐based knowledge of practitioners (Alexanderson et al., 2009; Sackett et al., 1997; Trinder & Reynolds, 2000).…”

“…Although the theory of knowledge production offers a valuable framework for analysing the development of knowledge in social work, it is not without its problems and critics, nor does it represent the full gamut of forms of accepted knowledge in social work, such as tacit, theoretical and conceptual knowledge. Nevertheless, there are precedents in the social work literature that are highly consistent with learning organisation models of knowledge production (Gabbay et al., 2003; Gray & Schubert, 2010b), which include the views and expectations of service users and the experience‐based knowledge of practitioners (see also Alexanderson et al, 2009; Sackett et al., 1997; Trinder & Reynolds, 2000). Viewed in this way, we believe that the new theory of knowledge production goes some way towards grounding practice more firmly on sound research.…”