Practical wisdom in social work: ethnographic study of professional daily life

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the challenges faced by social service professionals in a changing society, increasingly complex and uncertain. Analyzing specific situations from a short-term ethnographic study, we aim to describe and interpret the various forms of knowledge expressed by professionals in their daily social interactions with their counterparts. We emphasize the growing relevance of practical wisdom in tackling unforeseen circumstances. By examining the crossroads between abstract knowledge and concrete application, we identify strategies to address the challenges inherent in shifting social dynamics. Moreover, we highlight the importance of comprehending implicit knowledge in day-to-day professional interactions.