6533b86dfe1ef96bd12c93b0

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The concept of subjectivisation by Adorno – applied in social work

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This article focuses upon subjectivisation as one of the core aspects of critical theory. Subjectivisation refers to the process of becoming a subject, a fully responsible, autonomously thinking and acting adult citizen, as opposed to a manipulated and system-functioning object. It is discussed in the context of the current debates on critical reflection in social work, as it contributes to discovering the power structures in which social work is embedded. The aim is not to re-discuss critical theory as a whole, but to point out the process of subjectivisation of social workers and service users as an element for critical self-reflection in social work. The contribution includes a short introduction to the concept of subject and subjectivisation as treated by Adorno, after which a more generalised frame of core dimensions for social work between the ‘Real’ and the ‘Possible’ will be developed, applying the concepts of Adorno's dialectic approach to critical theory and using them as a tool for critical ref...