Social Work in Times of Fetish Capital: A Critical Analysis of Social Work Practice in the Era of Neoliberalism

Introduction

In her groundbreaking book, "Social Work in Times of Fetish Capital," Marilda Villela Iamamoto offers a critical analysis of social work practice in the era of neoliberalism. Drawing on Marx's theory of fetishism, Iamamoto argues that social work has become increasingly commodified and depoliticized under neoliberalism, leading to a crisis in the profession.

The Commodification of Social Work

Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology that emphasizes the free market and individualism. This ideology has had a profound impact on social work, which has traditionally been seen as a public service. Under neoliberalism, social work has increasingly become commodified, meaning that it is treated as a commodity that can be bought and sold. This has led to a number of problems, including:

• The erosion of social welfare programs: Neoliberal governments have cut funding for social welfare programs, which has led to a decrease in the availability of services for people in need.
• The rise of private social work agencies: The commodification of social work has led to the rise of private social work agencies, which are often for-profit. These agencies are often less accountable to the public than public social work agencies, and they may not provide the same quality of services.
• The decline in the status of social workers: The commodification of social work has led to a decline in the status of social workers. Social workers are often seen as low-skilled workers who are not capable of providing high-quality services. This has made it difficult for social workers to advocate for their clients and to improve the quality of social services.

The Depoliticization of Social Work

Neoliberalism has also led to the depoliticization of social work. This means that social work has become increasingly focused on individual problems, rather than on the structural causes of social problems. This has led to a number of problems, including:

• The neglect of social justice: The depoliticization of social work has led to a neglect of social justice. Social workers are often reluctant to challenge the status quo, even when it is unjust. This has made it difficult for social workers to advocate for the rights of their clients and to promote social change.
• The rise of technocratic social work: The depoliticization of social work has led to the rise of technocratic social work. This type of social work is based on the belief that social problems can be solved through the application of scientific methods. This approach ignores the importance of political and economic factors in social problems, and it can lead to ineffective social work practice.

The Crisis in Social Work

The commodification and depoliticization of social work have led to a crisis in the profession. Social workers are facing a number of challenges, including:

• Low pay and poor working conditions: Social workers are often paid low wages and they may have to work long hours in difficult conditions. This can make it difficult for social workers to provide high-quality services to their clients.
• Lack of resources: Social workers often lack the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. This can include a lack of funding, staff, and training.
• Burnout: Social workers are often under a lot of stress, and they may experience burnout. This can lead to a decline in the quality of social services and it can make it difficult for social workers to continue working in the profession.

Conclusion

"Social Work in Times of Fetish Capital" is a powerful and provocative book that offers a critical analysis of social work practice in the era of neoliberalism. Iamamoto argues that social work has become increasingly commodified and depoliticized under neoliberalism, leading to a crisis in the profession. She calls for a radical transformation of social work, based on the principles of social justice and collective action.

This book is essential reading for social workers, social work educators, and anyone interested in the future of social welfare. It is a powerful call to action for all those who believe in the importance of social justice and the right to a dignified life for all.