Hidden voices

Despite the rich history of care that has characterized the profession, social work has not been able to convey adequately its knowledge of the modest yet complex tasks involved in its role of social caretaking. The dominant voice of the formal culture, particularly in its emphasis on rationality and logic, does not create sufficient space or legitimacy for the experience of domestic and social caretaking to be conveyed. From personal and professional perspectives, this essay presents the vocabulary of care as the first voice of women and of social work and explores it as an avenue to better justify, dignify, and celebrate the humble but vital tasks carried out in all venues of social work practice.