Dr. Donna Baines

Biography

Donna Baines is a Professor at the University of British Columbia's School of Social Work, where she focuses on the intersections of paid and unpaid work, anti-oppressive and critical social work theory and practice, and social policy in the context of austerity. She has an extensive academic background, having held professorial appointments at institutions such as Dalhousie University and McMaster University prior to her current role. Baines has a prolific publishing record, with works addressing issues including harm reduction in social work, neoliberalism, and social justice. She co-edits the journal 'Social Work & Policy Studies: Social Justice, Practice Theory' and is actively involved in various research collaborations that span multiple countries, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Baines is also a co-applicant on several significant research grants aimed at advancing social policy and practices that underpin equity and inclusion in care work. Her ongoing projects include exploring emancipatory practices and indigenous perspectives in social work, aiming to represent these viewpoints centering rather than as mere add-ons to Western models. With a commitment to social justice and equity, Baines remains a leading voice in her field, shaping the future of social work education and practice.

Research Interests