Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk

Scope & Guideline

Connecting theory and practice for impactful social work.

Introduction

Welcome to the Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0037-8054
PublisherUNIV STELLENBOSCH, DEPT SOCIAL WORK
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1973 to 1974, 1977, from 1994 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC WORK-MAATSK WERK / Soc. Work-Maatsk. Werk
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 223, STELLENBOSCH 7599, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk' aims to advance the field of social work by addressing pressing social issues, particularly within the South African context. Its focus encompasses a range of methodologies including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, emphasizing community engagement and the lived experiences of individuals affected by social challenges.
  1. Social Development and Policy Analysis:
    The journal consistently explores the intersection of social work and social development policies, particularly in the context of South Africa. This includes analyzing the impact of governmental and non-governmental policies on vulnerable populations.
  2. Child and Youth Care:
    A significant focus is placed on the care, protection, and development of children and youth, particularly those in foster care or institutional settings. The journal addresses the challenges faced by these groups and the social work interventions designed to support them.
  3. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
    Research emphasizes the importance of community-driven approaches to social work, advocating for the involvement of local populations in the development and implementation of social services and programs.
  4. Mental Health and Resilience:
    The journal addresses mental health issues within various populations, including children, women, and the elderly, and explores resilience-building strategies in the face of social adversity.
  5. Cultural Competence in Social Work:
    There is a focus on understanding and integrating cultural perspectives into social work practice, especially in relation to the diverse population of South Africa and its neighboring regions.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in social work, highlighting the importance of integrating knowledge and practices from various fields to enhance service delivery.
Recent publications in 'Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk' highlight several trending and emerging themes that reflect current social issues and innovations within the field of social work. These themes are critical for informing practice and policy in the evolving social landscape.
  1. Response to COVID-19 and Its Aftermath:
    A significant trend is the exploration of social work responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the impact on mental health, service delivery, and community resilience. This theme is relevant as it addresses the immediate and long-term effects of the pandemic on vulnerable populations.
  2. Intersectionality in Social Issues:
    There is an increasing focus on intersectional analyses that consider how various social identities (e.g., gender, race, class) intersect to affect individuals' experiences and access to services. This trend highlights the complexity of social issues and the need for tailored interventions.
  3. Youth Empowerment and Participation:
    Emerging research emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in social work practices and decision-making processes, recognizing their agency and the unique challenges they face.
  4. Mental Health Interventions:
    A growing body of literature is emerging around innovative mental health interventions, particularly those that incorporate community-based approaches and address the psychosocial needs of diverse populations.
  5. Resilience and Recovery Frameworks:
    There is a trend towards developing frameworks that focus on resilience and recovery, particularly in the context of trauma-informed care and support for marginalized groups.

Declining or Waning

While 'Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk' has a broad range of focuses, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. This may indicate a shift in research priorities or a response to the evolving social landscape.
  1. Traditional Child Welfare Models:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research focused solely on traditional child welfare models without incorporating contemporary social challenges or community-based approaches.
  2. Generalized Substance Abuse Interventions:
    Research specifically addressing substance abuse interventions without a contextual or localized approach appears to be waning, reflecting a need for more nuanced and targeted studies.
  3. Rural Social Work Challenges:
    While rural social work remains important, there has been less emphasis on this area in recent publications, possibly due to a shift toward urban issues and challenges faced by marginalized communities in urban settings.
  4. Economic Development without Social Context:
    Studies focusing solely on economic development initiatives without considering their social implications or the interplay with social work practices seem to be decreasing.
  5. Historical Analysis of Social Work Practices:
    There is less focus on historical analyses of social work practices, which were once prevalent, suggesting a move towards more contemporary and practical applications of social work.

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