Showing papers in "International Social Work in 2014"
TL;DR: The near global implementation of public sector and social welfare reform as a result of neoliberal economic reform has impacted on social work and social inequality as mentioned in this paper, and state strategies to reduce soc...
Abstract: The near global implementation of public sector and social welfare reform as a result of neoliberal economic reform has impacted on social work and social inequality. State strategies to reduce soc...
113 citations
TL;DR: This article pointed out that social changes and professionalization have moved social work away from advancing social justice and into the domination of individual therapies and redirects social workers' attention to individual therapies.
Abstract: Social changes and professionalization have moved social work away from advancing social justice and into the domination of individual therapies. This article redirects social workers’ attention to...
94 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the current crisis has generated a profound re-politicization of social workers which leads to the redefinition of the core values and principles of social work.
Abstract: What started as a peripheral banking crisis in 2008 within five years triggered the deepest recession Europe has seen in decades, escalating to manifold socio-political crises. Under these circumstances, many social workers find themselves in a situation of extreme pressure and insecurity. Traditional theories and orthodox practices are now challenged by frontline social workers. This article explores such a ‘reconceptualization’ process, evaluating recent developments and changes in Spanish, Portuguese and Greek social work. We argue that the current crisis has generated a profound (re)politicization of social workers which leads to the redefinition of the core values and principles of social work.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue for the inclusion of environmental justice in contemporary social work practice as one way of promoting inclusionary social work that meets some of the challenges of the 21st century by exploring the implications of environmental degradation and its reinforcement of structural inequalities in Sri Lanka following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Abstract: Environmental crises associated with disasters exacerbate existing socio-economic and cultural inequalities. This article argues for the inclusion of environmental justice in contemporary social work practice as one way of promoting inclusionary social work that meets some of the challenges of the 21st century. It does so by exploring the implications of environmental degradation and its reinforcement of structural inequalities in Sri Lanka following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and draws on a three-year research project funded by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council in the UK that led to the development of a multidisciplinary approach to disasters that is described in the author’s recent book Green Social Work.
58 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe critically-reflective techniques and provide examples used in a pilot exchange program between a social work school in the UK and in India, and discuss the potential implications of these strategies for social work education.
Abstract: International contexts provide social work students with the opportunity to develop knowledge of international social work, global citizenship and cultural competency. While these contexts are powerful sites of learning, there is a need to ensure that this occurs within a critical framework. The paradigm of critical reflection is used to facilitate this and has been popular in international programs. In this article, we develop this further by describing critically-reflective techniques and providing examples used in a pilot exchange program between a social work school in the UK and in India. The potential implications of these strategies for social work education are discussed.
50 citations
TL;DR: Using a theoretical lens of neo-liberalism and post-colonialism, the authors analyses the close intersectionality between immigration and education policy in Canada, illustrates how Canada actively recruits and maintains international students for its nation-building, and discusses the impact on the Canadian welfare state.
Abstract: Over the past two decades there has been a shift in Canadian education policy from a focus on education as a public good to education as a commodity, with policy language increasingly infused with the strategies of business. Branded ‘Education au/in Canada’, complementary immigration and education policies accommodate seamless entry, renewal, employment opportunities and finally citizenship for the best and the brightest of students abroad. Using a theoretical lens of neo-liberalism and post-colonialism, this article analyses the close intersectionality between immigration and education policy in Canada, illustrates how Canada actively recruits and maintains international students for its nation-building, and discusses the impact on the Canadian welfare state.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative research study explored responses to trafficking in persons and found that the ecological, strengths-based, and victim center approaches were a benefit to survivors and professionals specifically around coordinated efforts, trust-building, and increased cultural competence.
Abstract: This qualitative research study explored responses to trafficking in persons. Fifty-five (n = 55) interviews were collected and data were analyzed using qualitative iterative processes. The social worker and the utilization of social work perspectives provided a strong and effective framework for service delivery and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. The ecological, strengths-based, and victim-center approaches were a benefit to survivors and professionals specifically around coordinated efforts, trust-building, and increased cultural competence. Findings also support that individuals who are trafficked have unique needs and social workers’ theoretical and practice modalities are well suited to respond to and coordinate these distinct circumstances.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an instructional framework focused on developing global leadership using the theme of universal human rights is presented, which encourages students to analyze oppressive practices of power and to pursue equality for all people through acquiring human rights literacy (knowledge), empathy (values), responsibility (action), and transforming this into global leadership (change).
Abstract: As social work increasingly develops an international perspective, there is a need for educational approaches that more fully integrate this content into the curriculum. This article presents an instructional framework focused on developing global leadership using the theme of universal human rights. It encourages students to analyze oppressive practices of power and to pursue equality for all people through acquiring human rights literacy (knowledge), empathy (values), responsibility (action), and transforming this into global leadership (change). It provides examples of teaching strategies that assist students in developing an international perspective to guide social work practice in the global 21st century.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore how social workers in South Africa and Uganda, where social work is not professionally regulated, draw on the premises that Social work is a human rights profession embedded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, their respective countries constitutions, and developmental social work to claim their role in promoting social and economic equality.
Abstract: This article explores how social workers in South Africa (where social work is regulated by law), and Uganda (where social work is not professionally regulated), draw on the premises that social work is a human rights profession embedded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, their respective countries’ constitutions, and developmental social work to claim their role in promoting social and economic equality. The case studies from both South Africa and Uganda show that developmental social work includes social, economic and environmental development activities and that social work can become a significant role player in promoting social and economic equality through its commitment to social justice and human rights.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a brief historical overview of German immigration policy, with a focus on how policies have affected education and academic achievement, and make recommendations for ways in which social workers can take an active role in fostering integration of immigrant families into German society.
Abstract: Germany’s immigrant population has dramatically increased since World War II, bringing a new need for immigrant-centered policies and programs. How has Germany responded to the needs of its growing immigrant population? This article provides brief historical highlights of German immigration policy, with a focus on how policies have affected education and academic achievement. Implications of such policies for social work practice are discussed, and recommendations for ways in which social workers can take an active role in fostering integration of immigrant families into German society are offered.
39 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines internationalizing practices in social work, using both historical materials and information from the social sciences, and concludes that "Internationalizing practices are seldom explicitly considered in Social Work theory, practice and education".
Abstract: Internationalizing practices are seldom explicitly considered in social work theory, practice and education. This article examines internationalizing practices, using both historical materials and ...
TL;DR: This paper explored British social workers' abilities to recognize incidents of interpersonal violence, how much domestic violence training social workers typically receive, and how awareness of or awareness of domestic violence or sexual violence was increased.
Abstract: This study explores British social workers’ abilities to recognize incidents of interpersonal violence, how much domestic violence training social workers typically receive, and how awareness of or...
TL;DR: In this paper, preliminary findings from a study of international placement learning of British social work students in social welfare settings in Malaysia were discussed, with an emphasis on issues relating to diversity and developing critical cultural competence.
Abstract: This article discusses preliminary findings from a study of international placement learning of British social work students in social welfare settings in Malaysia. Research data generated focuses on the learning processes experienced by the students placed in an unfamiliar, postcolonial context with an emphasis on issues relating to diversity and developing critical cultural competence. Future sustainability and benefits of such placements are also reviewed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the capacity of social work educational programs to prepare graduates to contribute to the human, social and environmental challenges outlined in the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development (GAD) is discussed.
Abstract: In this article, we discuss the capacity of social work educational programs to prepare graduates to contribute to the human, social and environmental challenges outlined in the Global Agenda for S...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the key factors that confront and influence social work education and practice in the Asian region and suggest possible steps to realize the four goals of Global Agenda in the context of those countries.
Abstract: Social work is contextual yet increasingly internationalized. The development of Global Agenda in 2012 by the IASSW, ICSW and IFSW gave educators and practitioners an opportunity to reflect on challenges of social work education and the profession in their respective countries. The current article discusses the key factors that confront and influence social work education and practice in the Asian region. The article brings out deep-rooted perceptions amongst educators in the region. The authors endeavour to present select views of social work educators from South Asian countries and suggest possible steps to realize the four goals of Global Agenda in the context of those countries.
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual analysis based on ecological system theories and concepts for the initial assessment of child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking upon exit from exploitation is presented, based on the example of real-life practice through a residential aftercare setting providing care to female child survivors in Indonesia in addition to best practices from work in Cambodia.
Abstract: Child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) are in need of comprehensive assessment as a critical first step to providing assistance post-exploitation. This article presents a conceptual analysis based on ecological system theories and concepts for the initial assessment of child survivors of CSE and trafficking upon exit from exploitation. It is based on the example of real-life practice through a residential aftercare setting providing care to female child survivors in Indonesia in addition to best practices from work in Cambodia. Assessment is conducted within two domains of the life of the survivor: her trafficking experience and her social environment.
TL;DR: Based on large-scale surveys and in-depth interviews, the authors discusses the role of religion in social welfare and social work in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, a majority Muslim region.
Abstract: Based on large-scale surveys and in-depth interviews, this article discusses the role of religion in social welfare and social work in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, a majority Muslim region. It notes that there is relatively little formal social work provided by large-scale Islam-based groups. However, religious spaces are important as places where social networks are developed, facilitating social welfare provision within wider networks. Locally, mosques rarely provide immediate aid, such as cash transfers, but some engage in long-term targeted provision. The article concludes that as such schemes develop, trust in religious organizations will increase and more people will turn to them in times of need.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings from an empirical study of 23 parents with mental illness in New South Wales, Australia, focusing on the prevailing risk discourse associated with parental mental illness which suggests a limited capacity to parent.
Abstract: This article presents findings from an empirical study of 23 parents with mental illness in New South Wales, Australia. Discussion focuses on the prevailing risk discourse associated with parental mental illness which suggests a limited capacity to parent. Risk assessment practice creates expectations about parenting ability, often utilizing rigid, inflexible and predetermined categorical information. This approach limits social work practice. The discussion presents an insight into how parents manage mental illness and how they manage risk. The narratives of the parents encourage social workers to increase their skills in family-focused working practices to enhance engagement with these families.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze why education in universities is still so disconnected from the field of social work practice, and highlight that achieving broad agreement on the need for practice skills, service user prioritization and a strong values base must be the key focus when developing training in contexts where social work is relatively new.
Abstract: Coming at the cusp of 20 years of social work training in Russia, this article analyses why education in universities is still so disconnected from the field of social work practice. Our attention focuses on institutional dynamics that shape the national regulation of social work education, limited practice content in curricula and the mixed impact of international co-operation. The research highlights that achieving broad agreement on the need for practice skills, service user prioritization and a strong values base must be the key focus when developing training in contexts where social work is relatively new.
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study on sexuality, identity and relationships among female and male youth living on the streets was conducted, focusing on the following broad theme: men as providers, violence, sex, and sexuality.
Abstract: This article is based on a qualitative study on sexuality, identity and relationships among female and male youth living on the streets. Data were obtained from approximately 50 focus groups and individual interviews with 37 youth, of which 17 were female. There were several themes with regard to masculinity and femininity and constructions of motherhood and fatherhood that emerged from the study. In this article we focus on the following broad theme: men as providers, violence, sex, and sexuality. Recommendations are made regarding consciousness raising, therapeutic intervention, transforming gendered relationships and working towards socio-economic equality.
TL;DR: The Andersen-Newman model of service utilization guided the examination of the predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with service utilization among pre-certified victims of human trafficking.
Abstract: This exploratory study examined factors associated with service utilization among pre-certified victims of human trafficking. The Andersen-Newman model of service utilization guided the examination...
TL;DR: In this paper, the making of the Global Agenda in social work is discussed, and the process of agenda-setting itself is considered as an object of critical reflection, and discussed the way in which the agen...
Abstract: This article addresses ‘the making’ of the Global Agenda in social work by situating the process of agenda-setting itself as an object of critical reflection. It discusses the way in which the agen...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the changes in institutions and discourses resulting from global/local interaction in social work in today's Russia, and consider the contribution of international co-operation.
Abstract: This article aims to identify the changes in institutions and discourses resulting from global/local interaction in social work in today’s Russia. We consider the contribution of international co-o...
TL;DR: The discussion that follows considers some of the issues, challenges and opportunities involved in forging this international collaboration in social work education.
Abstract: In late 2009 staff from the Department of Social Work at Monash University in Australia responded to a call for expression of interest in becoming volunteers in a program sponsored by the Australian Group of Eight Universities that sought to strengthen teaching and curriculum development activities with the University of Papua New Guinea. The presenting request was for volunteers to conduct short teaching stints in Papua New Guinea. The discussion that follows considers some of the issues, challenges and opportunities involved in forging this international collaboration in social work education.
TL;DR: In this article, the unique challenges of the migrant victims of domestic violenc e ciency are identified. But the authors focus on the domestic violence against migrant women entering South Korea through marriage.
Abstract: Domestic violence against migrant women entering South Korea through marriage is an emerging social problem. This article identifies the unique challenges of the migrant victims of domestic violenc...
TL;DR: The authors examines the current knowledge shaping our understanding of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation in Australia, a major destination country in a poorly researched region (Oceania) and concludes with recommendations for ways forward in researching this challenging and globally significant problem.
Abstract: This article examines the current knowledge shaping our understanding of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation in Australia, a major destination country in a poorly researched region (Oceania). Challenges to developing accurate and useful knowledge: varied and poorly understood definitions, difficulties in gathering accurate data about a hidden problem, and narrowly focused research are explored. The article describes Australia’s current responses to sex trafficking and critiques current knowledge development strategies, concluding with recommendations for ways forward in researching this challenging and globally significant problem.
TL;DR: In this article, the Global Agenda for Social Work (GA) was discussed and evaluated with social work students in respect of the Global Social Work, and a set of questions were prepared for use with almost 400 students from six different universities.
Abstract: This article discusses and evaluates the learning from a consultation with social work students in respect of the Global Agenda for Social Work (GA). At the time the GA was being drafted it was circulated widely for consultation. In the UK social work educators prepared a set of questions for use with almost 400 students from six different universities. Responses revealed the GA to be a valuable pedagogical tool, generating reflection on social work values, diversity, neo-liberal agendas and international social work. The article analyses responses and suggests ideas for further use of the GA in social work education.
TL;DR: The authors argue that international social work education is constructed using nationalist assumptions that define and limit practices of social care to nation-state boundaries, and this is particularly true of health care education.
Abstract: I argue that international social work education is constructed using nationalist assumptions that define and limit practices of social care to nation-state boundaries. This is particularly true of...
TL;DR: Using a survey of 200 low-to moderate-income households in Singapore, the authors analyzes how changes in economic resources (in particular assets) are associated with family strains and family fun.
Abstract: Using a survey of 200 low- to moderate-income households in Singapore, this study analyzes how changes in economic resources (in particular assets) are associated with family strains and family fun...
TL;DR: In this paper, a hybrid social change organization based in India engaged in cross-sectoral collaboration with police and community-based sectors to address sex trafficking and advance progress in India.
Abstract: This field note explores how a hybrid social change organization based in India engaged in cross-sectoral collaboration with police and community-based sectors to address sex trafficking and advanc...