Globalisation of consciousness and new challenges for international social work

Abstract

Although the notion of international social work is not new, it is only in recent times that its central premises have been in focus. Considering diverse ongoing globalisation processes and in regard to the weakening of the national welfare state, social work must tackle the challenge of redefining its role and mission if it is to remain true to its professional commitments. The emergence of new global regions and the globalisation of local social problems make the consolidation of democracy and human rights, the prevention of conflicts and the promotion of solidarity and peace through global cultural integration some of the main concerns of international social work. In this article, international social work is discussed as a project of partnership between diverse social actors such as practitioners, universities and local governments cooperating beyond the boundaries of the nation‐state.

MSW Students’ Motivations for Taking an International Social Work Elective Course

“…Globalization was recognized by half (51%) of the students as having a growing influence on public policy and social welfare throughout the world. These responses were in line with Ahmadi's (2003) conception of globalization, seen as a "macro-level" concept that allowed social welfare issues to be seen as being "in common" among nations and cultures. One student mentioned that, through studying globalization, a social work practitioner sees how [G]lobal policies affect people, especially in so-called "third world" countries, both positively and adversely.…”

“…As Ahmadi (2003) noted, globalization within the current canon of international social work can best be defined as the growing harmonization of issues, concerns, ideals, and values across geographic, political, and cultural borders. Technology and media have rapidly advanced our ability to recognize places and people across the globe, to see them as facing similar patterns of resource development in the areas of social welfare services, infrastructure development, and issues of discrimination, as well as large-scale systemic problems such as environmental concerns, immigration, poverty, and political conflict.…”

“…Technology and media have rapidly advanced our ability to recognize places and people across the globe, to see them as facing similar patterns of resource development in the areas of social welfare services, infrastructure development, and issues of discrimination, as well as large-scale systemic problems such as environmental concerns, immigration, poverty, and political conflict. Ahmadi's (2003) view of globalization provides social workers with an epistemological narrative of both a smaller and more accessible world, both in terms of travel and media study. Moreover, such a view presents parts of the world that are (or at least are perceived as) more alike than at any other period in history (Caragata & Sanchez, 2002).…”

International Social Work

“…Ahmadi (2003) declares that international social work can and should play an important role in consolidating democracy, social justice and in implementing international conventions (e.g. on human rights, on the elimination of discrimination against women, on the rights of the child) as well as in preventing conflicts and support peace through the promotion of a global culture of integration.…”

Preparing Social Work Students for International Interdisciplinary Practice: A Teaching Model and Its Impact on Self-Efficacy

“…Globalization theory states that globalization and technological advancement reduce temporal and spatial distance between different elements to such a degree that local circumstances are affected by situations happening in another part of the world (Webb, 2003). This diminishing distance increased connectivity, which in turn has been affecting individual, cultural, social, political, and economic relations (Ahmadi, 2003;Webb, 2003;Wilson, 2012). While globalization contributed to creating a universal expectation for a standard of living based on Western values, this expectation has not been matched by the ability/willingness of local governance to provide equal access to resources (as reflected by current policies and programs).…”