Suchergebnisse

Practice research can in itself be regarded as a specific form of knowledge production in social work with substantial potentials. Its possibilities as well as its challenges depend on the broader picture of knowledge production in the field. Important phenomena and trends in this broader picture are identified and discussed by using three perspectives on knowledge production: the epistemology, sociology of knowledge, and conceptualization of professions. Challenges can be identified in several of the newer trends and may be most clearly seen in the substantial changes in the dominant societal recreation of 'professionalism', which at the same time from a traditional point of view must be regarded as deprofessionalization. It is suggested, that practice research in this situation can play an important role in a knowledge production scaffolding a new understanding of professionalism and expertise.

On the basis of qualitative interviews on 'Energibyen Frederikshavn' (Energy City Frederikshavn), the article reveals various rationales underlying modern consumers' often contradictory opinions and attitudes to climate change and energy consumption. It may seem hard to decide whether the interest in sustainable, alternative sources of energy is conditioned by the soaring price of oil or present threats of climate change. And does it really matter what the motivations are as long as behaviour is changed? The article will discuss the energy discourses produced by the people in the participating focus group in the light of three rather different, theoretical positions. And, finally, we will contextualize the findings with respect to risk society and media including political dilemmas in the case of Denmark.