Under the Cover of Kindness: The Invention of Social Work

Given the dearth of critical analyses of social work, it is all the more refreshing to encounter a work as well-written and thought-provoking as Margolin's "Under the Cover of Kindness." His geneological analysis of some of the artifacts and practices of the "profession" throughout its existence left me questioning both the discipline and my own practice. This book will likely be quickly dismissed by many social workers, will be deeply disturbing for most, and for a very few, I suspect, may even prove to be quite validating. Although it should be required reading for social workers, I have to say that I wouldn't wish it on everyone. If you are looking for something to comfort and encourage your professional self, this isn't it. If, however, you are looking for something to help you begin to explore some of the nagging discomfort and dissonance you feel about social work, this is a good place to start.