This book uses a range of interpretive approaches to reveal the dynamics of service users' and professionals' individual experiences and life-worlds. From their research the contributors show how biographical methods can improve theoretical understanding of professional practice, as well as enrich the learning and development of professionals, and promote more meaningful and creative practitioner - service user relationships. The book: * reviews applications of biographical methods in both policy and practice in a range of professional contexts, from health and social care to education and employment; * explores the impact of social change in three main arenas - transformation from Eastern to Western types of society in Europe, major shifts in social and welfare principles, experiences of immigration and of new cultural diversities - on professional practice; * critically evaluates subjective and reflexive processes in interactions between researchers, practitioners and users of services; * considers the institutional arrangements and cultural contexts which support effective and sensitive interventions; * draws on actual projects and tracks reflection, progress and outcomes. With contributions from leading international experts, it provides a valuable comparative perspective. Researchers, policy analysts and practitioners, postgraduate students, teachers and trainers will find this book a stimulating read.

About the Author
Prue Chamberlayne is a Senior Research Fellow and Joanna Bornat is Professor of Oral History, both in the School of Health and Social Welfare, The Open University. Ursula Apitzsch is Professor in Sociology and Political Science at the J.W. Goethe University, Germany.

Reviews
"The editors have performed a major task drawing together such a rich range of biographically informed research on a variety of professional contexts across differing national contexts ... very useful companion to P. Chamberlayne, M. Rustin and T. Wengraf (eds) (2002), Biography and Exclusion in Europe, Bristol: The Policy Press." Journal of Social Policy
" ... this is a carefully written book that offers well-framed arguments for applying biographical methods to research and practice. ... The book should be kept close at hand and its chapters considered and recognised as situations arise." European Journal of Social Work
"By now, the 'biographical turn' in the social sciences is widely acknowledged but its impact in the main has been upon academics rather than professional practitioners. Biographical methods and professional practice makes an important and worthwhile contribution by demonstrating that the biographical perspective can be focused fruitfully upon applied, social policy issues both for research and for practice in the field." Robert Miller, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Queen's University Belfast



Book Information
ISBN 9781861344922
Author Prue Chamberlayne
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Policy Press