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Understanding assistant roles in social care

Author

Listed:
  • Ian Kessler

    (University of Oxford)

  • Stephen Bach

    (King’s College, University of London)

  • Paul Heron

    (Picker Institute Europe)

Abstract

This article re-connects with structure-agency debates to explore the development of the social work assistant role. Drawing upon an analytical framework based on the tenets of critical realism, it seeks to explain the evolution of this role across three local authorities by looking at the interaction of structure and agency at different societal levels: the sub-sector, the organization and the workplace. In doing so, it establishes the analytical value of the structure-agency dualism in studying occupations and, at the same time, provides data on what employees do in the type of role increasingly likely to characterize the modern service economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Kessler & Stephen Bach & Paul Heron, 2006. "Understanding assistant roles in social care," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(4), pages 667-685, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:20:y:2006:i:4:p:667-685
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017006069807
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ian Kirkpatrick & Stephen Ackroyd & Richard Walker, 2005. "The New Managerialism and Public Service Professions," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-50359-5, December.
    2. Stephen R. Barley & Gideon Kunda, 2001. "Bringing Work Back In," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 12(1), pages 76-95, February.
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