Career interview. Ann Hartman,a biography of ideas: Archiving intellectual history. Co-constructed with Catherine K Riessman and Karen M Staller

Abstract

Ann Hartman is a major figure in the history of Social Work in the United States and, due to translations of her writings, a major contributor to direct practice elsewhere in the world. Dr Hartman was interviewed by Catherine Riessman as part of Qualitative Social Work's career interviews project. Looking at the interview, we decided—in the spirit of co-construction—to preserve in certain sections the conversational nature of the exchange but also to offer historical context and other commentary in order to give readers––who might be less familiar with Dr Hartman's life and times––additional information. Dr Hartman's commitment to social work practice has had a global impact. Her scholarship offered new tools to social work practitioners, in particular the eco-map. In addition, she provided strong moral authority and leadership for social workers in the academy by emphasizing epistemological diversity and taking a stand on politically controversial topics with forceful conviction.