Erving Goffman et le travail social

As disciplines become increasingly fragmented andcompartmentalized, it is imperative to call to mindthe ambiguous yet intertwined connections betweensocial work and the sociological tradition in whichErving Goffman was trained.The authors of this work-social workers, sociologists,anthropologists, political scientists and nurses-openthe "e; Goffman toolbox "e; to offer fresh perspectives oncontemporary social work issues.

The work focuseson a wide range of topics, including mental health,addiction, care for the elderly or persons with adisability and homelessness.Whether through an epistemological, theoretical,methodological or practical lens, the Goffmanian pointof view is worthy of consideration.

It suggests a wayof observing the effects of institutions and social workcategories on individuals.

It goes beyond social workers'normative vision to identify the possibilities andrestrictions they face.

Finally, it accesses tacit, affectiveand sometimes unsuspected dimensions of the socialquestion and of helping relationships, rendering visiblewhat is not and intolerable, what is indeed tolerated.The seventeen contributors strive to bridge the gapthat developed between the two disciplines as theystruggled for institutional recognition.