International Social Work

Definition, history, current and future roles

Based on Chapter 1 of the book by D.Cox and M. Pawar

Teaching materials prepared by Yvonne Ford

Confusion about Social Work

Charitable work? Therapeutic one-to-one intervention? Welfare state? Dealing with urban problems?

Is SW related to:

Public policy? Community development? Social development? Community reponses to welfare

needs?

What is Social Work?!

What are your answers?

. . . . .

Is all this Social Work?

Focus on individuals (USA) Mobilizing the masses to deal with

social problems (China) Social justice (Latin America) Social development (Africa) Building civil society (Eastern Europe) Rural development (India)

SW can be difficult to define – what is the common thread?

global profession common code of ethics shared principles

(Paragraphs 5-7, page 3)

Definition of Social WorkInternational Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work, 2004

SW promotes Social change Problem-solving in human relationships Empowerment and liberation of people

… in order to enhance well-being.

Definition (continued)

Social work uses theories of human behaviour and social systems.

Social work intervenes where people interact with their environments.

Definition (continued)

Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.

Core nature, many forms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIiXaGGpOew

Social Work in Europe

is highly varied and often contrasts with SW in the UK and USA (paragraph 17, page 5)

SW is Europe contains indigenous roots that reflect the culture and social structure of each state. (paragraph 21, page 5)

In Germany…

Social Work has the narrower meaning of individualized casework

SW is carried out by workers who operate from community-based offices, hospitals, clinics or voluntary organisations.

(paragraph 19, page 5)

Influence of USA and UK

Through training courses Colonialization of countries – imported

social structures, led by „westerners“ Support and protection of classes who

were important to the colonial system

Similarities in SW

Is in existence in many countries Shares ethical base Face similar problems Profession has low status in some

countries Fear that SW is „in danger“ (paragraph 30, page 7)

Differences in SW

In emphasis from country to country In strength of the profession In details of education and practice Specific responses to changing needs

and changing resources, leading to changing methodologies

Who sets the agenda for SW?

Politicians? Employers? Social workers? Local people?

Indigenization: the challenge

discover solutions, perceptions, coping strategies that exist in the local culture (traditons, practices)

Change formal curricula to incorporate these traditions and practicesThis process is also relevant for developed countries! (paragraph 38, page 10)

3 areas of SW practice

1 - State (government) defined Delinquents, criminals, family welfare,

child protection, adoption, welfare assistance

Strong elements of social control and protection

3 areas (continued)

2 – direct work with clients who have problems Clinical social work, family therapy,

marriage guidance, medical SW, psycho-therapies

3 areas (continued)

3 – community building Social policy, social development, NGOs, aim to improve the environments and

societies within which people develop and live

Building a better world(Paragraph 42, page 10)

Priorities in Social Work

Trends and criticism Question of balance among 3 areas Neglected fields of practice Ignoring certain groups of people

Factors affecting the choice of practice areas and the balance between them

Criticism

Social Work focuses too much of trying to remedy problems, doesn‘t deal with causes

Certain groups of people are neglected (e.g. refugees, „difficult groups“)

Certain problems are neglected (e.g. peace, poverty, rural areas)

All 3 areas should be served

Supporting the welfare state, providing casework to persons in need, and engaging in social development

The balance of these 3 areas will vary from country to country

Vision or reality?

„It appears to be true that social work, perhaps more than any of the professions, is necessarily responsive to the social, political, economic and cultural conditions of the countries in which it is practiced.“

(Kendall, paragraph 61, page 15)

Professionalisation of SW

Level of education (university?)

What global standards should be set?

Global SW organisations

International Association of Schools of Social Work – IASSWhttp://www.iassw-aiets.org/

International Federation of Social Workers – IFSWhttp://www.ifsw.org/

International Council on Social Welfare – ICSWhttp://www.icsw.org/

Two further organisations

International consortium for Social Development

http://www.iucisd.org/about.htm

Commonwealth Organization for Social work

http://www.commonwealthsw.org/

International SW

May require a global approach, such as international policy or action

Also takes place at the national and local level

„in an era of globalization, much if not all domestic practice requires an international perspective.“

(paragraph 79, page 19)

Internation roles of SW Promotion of SW education and practice

globally and locally Build an integrated profession (not

dominated by any country) Respond to global challenges Work toward well-being of world‘s people

(individual and collective) Integration of perspectives:global, human

rights, ecological and social development

Main questions:

How can SW contribute to the alleviation of the major social problems and areas of need that affect the world‘s people?

How can SW be introduced to the least developed countries and areas in the world?