The politics of the textbook, revisited

Abstract

Social work evolves over time as political states, social movements, and helping professions renegotiate definitions of a good or adequate life and how it can be achieved. This article uses a conjunctural analysis approach to consider the changing role of social work in Canada. A comparative qualitative content analysis of commonly assigned introductory textbooks was conducted, focusing on the overall historical narrative and scope of practice, as well as evolving justice topics. The findings indicate significant shifts from an earlier focus on state protection from capitalism to more detailed, equity-focused quality of life frameworks. Additionally, three significant pressures on broader justice perspectives were identified: (1) the ongoing reworking of and engagement with lived experience, (2) the unique status of Indigenous peoples, and (3) emerging attention to the natural environment. The study also considers contradictions within and among these domains. Further research into the changing scope of social work and the meaning of pivotal keywords like social progress and social justice in specific state contexts is recommended.