Risk and Uncertainty in the Social Sciences: Implications for Social Work Theory and Practice

Uncertainty is one of the few certainties about policy and professional practice in social work, where knowledge is often imperfect and contested. Virtually every decision takes place in a context of some degree of uncertainty. This article explores differing sociological approaches to uncertainty and risk, and considers what these mean for evidence-based practice. It offers applied examples from the areas of child abuse, violence, and dementia to illustrate contemporary approaches to managing uncertainty and risk.