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 social Corresponding author: Gary Spolander, Charles Ward Building, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK. Email: g.spolander@coventry.ac.uk 524964I SW0010.1177/0020872814524964International Social WorkSpolander et al.
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International Social Work 57(4)and economic inequality are being challenged and rolled back. This article uses the reflections from a six-country EU-funded social work research collaboration to promote debate and compare global social work perspectives, to highlight the complexity of research, to explore implications for practice and the Global Agenda. It concludes by highlighting that global comparisons are complex, multifaceted and that political, cultural and economic context is critical to develop effective responses.
An emerging global consciousness and rising attention given to international social work development has seen the recognition of comparative research within the profession. Understanding the functioning and organisation of social work within various country contexts is critical in order to formulate knowledge around its overall impact, successes and challenges, allowing social workers to learn from one another and build professional consolidation. The profession is mapped out in 10 countries, reflecting on its structure, identity and development. Although the profession is developing globally, it is also experiencing significant challenges. Key insights, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.
Engaging students has been seen as the key to promoting their achievement in higher education institutions. However, there is an important stage prior to this; the development of a positive student identity which influences students' motivation to engage. As the student body has evolved from full-time, on campus students entering university straight from school and has embraced adult, part-time and on line learners who also have employment, the transition to a student identity has become less transparent. To encourage part-time students undertaking an undergraduate degree in Social and Health Care Management to engage with each other the course team piloted peer assessment within the programme for a year. This paper informs the debate by providing insight into the students' approach to learning and attainment. It is argued that the culture of compliance and a technocratic approach to task completion increasingly required within the social care and learning sector is antithetical to deep learning. For students to make the transition they need to commit to a student identity in which participation in reflection and critical debate are valued. The challenge is for universities to enable its occurrence by addressing the barriers and stimulating a positive identity for non-traditional students.
This article seeks to reflect on knowledge and experiences gained from an International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES). Challenges and opportunities inherent in the development and Downloaded from 2 International Social Work management of a large-scale international research project in social work are explored. Through a synthesis of conceptual frameworks a process model for international research collaboration is constructed based chiefly on the stages of group development, a conceptual framework for cross-national research, an interdisciplinary teamwork process and collaborative knowledge building. The five stages of the process model, namely forming, norming, storming, performing and adjourning and associated steps are connected by a practice of reflexivity.
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