The Theory and Practice of Developmental Social Work

Developmental social case work: A process model

“…42-71) of human rights that are of concern to social work, namely, civil and political rights (which have been the main focus of human rights movements); economic, social and cultural rights (which have been the main focus of social work); and collective rights to benefit from economic growth and to live in harmonious and environmentally safe contexts (which have emerged only more recently). Midgley (2010) argues that human rights are a prerequisite for authentic citizenship, and thus, securing the human rights of all peoples is a central role of social development. 2.…”

“…2. Second, social development advocates a close harmonisation of social and economic development (Midgley, 2010). Economic development at a macro level frequently advantages the few and neglects the majority.…”

“…3. Midgley (2010) is, however, somewhat critical of resilience approaches, which frequently imply a 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' model of social development (p. 15). He argues that 'social investments' are essential for a developmental approach to social work.…”

The interaction of local and international child welfare agendas: A South African case

“…Indeed, Midgley (1981) early on referred to this as a form of professional imperialism with social work theories and practice being unquestioningly transferred from so-called developed to developing countries. Nevertheless, Midgley and Conley (2010) are optimistic that the voice of the South is increasingly being heard. Brydon (2012) contemporarily queries whether transnational dialogue promotes diversity, or whether it reinforces the hegemony of ideas emanating from the western industrialized world.…”

Community development in Asia and the Pacific

“…It may be the occasion for the civil society or the local communities to assert its own vision of 'community development' riding on the high tide of the re-emerging trends of community development in the moment. Learning from the Global South may not be an empty slogan if we really take into account the social innovation and political activism prevailing in the Asia and the Pacific region in the period (Midgley 2010).…”