Global standards: promise and pitfalls for re‐inscribing social work into civil society¹

Abstract

This article critiques the modernist logical‐positivist ideology that has underscored social work, and interrogates the promise of the development of global standards to re‐inscribe social work into civil society at the global level. The potential pitfalls and dangers of such an initiative are also examined. The development of global standards was born out of an assumption that there is a common core to social work on a global level and on an essential affirmation of humanity and human dignity of all peoples across the world. Global standards might be construed to constitute a hegemonic Western discourse and a denial of context‐specific realities. However, a judicious, sensitive, post‐modernist and critical approach may enhance sensitivity towards difference and a greater appreciation of locally specific realities, within the global sphere.

Beyond Legalism in Turbulent Times: Re-grounding UK Social Work in a Richer International Human Rights Perspective

“…The Global Standards for social work education (Sewpaul 2005: 3) assert that social workers promote the realisation of human rights through interventions based on practice models and techniques that allow them to pursue a series of 'developmental, protective, preventive and/or therapeutic purposes'. These highlight a series of 'epistemological paradigms' of particular global relevance for the training of social workers that will be prepared to practice according to the professions' commitment with the principles of human rights and social justice (as specified in the 2000 International Definition of Social Work (IFSW 2000)).…”

“…These highlight a series of 'epistemological paradigms' of particular global relevance for the training of social workers that will be prepared to practice according to the professions' commitment with the principles of human rights and social justice (as specified in the 2000 International Definition of Social Work (IFSW 2000)). These include an appreciation of diversity, a focus on capacity building and empowerment in work with individuals, groups, organisations and communities, or an emphasis on advocacy and the promotion of change regarding social structures, which marginalise and exclude people (Sewpaul 2005). Ife (2008) asserts that social workers can connect human rights with their practice through deductive and inductive approaches.…”

He Lived Experiences of Black African Mothers Following the Birth of a Child With Down Syndrome: Implications for Indigenisation of Social Work

“…The dictum presents many opportunities and challenges for contemporary social work, as did the debilitating social problems arising from industrialisation and urbanisation that gave birth to social work as a profession and academic discipline dictated by a desire to maintain social order (Lorenz, 2008;Payne, 2005). As a human service profession, social work in its current Eurocentric form cannot afford to remain aloof from the pertinent and pressing question of its appropriateness and relevance in responding to local social problems confronting black Africans (Brydon, 2011:156;Gray, 2005;Sewpaul, 2005). Despite numerous attempts by African scholars (Gray, 2005;Midgley, 2008:31;Osei-Hwedie, 2002:312;Osei-Hwedie & Rankopo, 2008;Thabede, 2008:239) to adapt social work practice to the African context, its Eurocentric nature allows little space for the African voice, because of the paradoxical nature of the relationship between the Eurocentric and African worldview (Kuse, 1997:19;Thabede, 2008:234).…”

Professionalism, Postmodern Ethics and the Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training

“…Social work was historically rooted in the ethos of caring, with early philanthropy being infused with religious injunctions to provide services for the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of society (Sewpaul, 2005). With industrialisation and urbanisation and the growing threats that the poor and unemployed represented to the elite, social work became inscribed with control functions and with protection of the middle class (Clarke, 1993).…”