An exploration of contributions to a social work community of practice.

Bolger, Janine

Abstract

This framing essay provides a critical review of my Portfolio of Public Output, based on published research and academic texts and with reference to examples of some related activism, from the period 2019 to 2024. Specifically, this comprises of four peer reviewed publicly available papers (two authored and two co-authored), and two co-edited texts with three authored and five coauthored chapters therein. The overarching theme which forms the basis for this thesis is the contribution of these outputs to the social work Community of Practice (CoP). Within this overarching theme, this essay focuses on two distinct, but inter-related, sub-themes: 1) the role of social work education in shaping the CoP; and 2) the challenges for the social work CoP that come from the rise of neoliberal ideology in the wider systemic context. In the core part of the thesis the 10 Portfolio Outputs are synthesised and considered as part of a narrative whole, with critical reflections on their contents and on their contribution to the academic field and social work CoP. I argue that I have contributed significantly towards preparing students for practice through the mobilisation of knowledge reconciling some theoretical and ideological differences, promoting critical reflection and reinforcing ethical standards which develops an understanding of core values, fostering reflexivity and promoting professional autonomy. Ultimately these contributions serve to shape professional identity.

Citation

BOLGER, J. 2025. An exploration of contributions to a social work community of practice. Robert Gordon University, PhD thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2934929

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 22, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2934929
• Keywords: Social work; Community of practice; Knowledge development
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2934929
• Award Date: Mar 31, 2025