Migration Perspectives in Social Work Research: Local, National and International Contexts

Abstract

Within social work, it is often assumed that migration is a signifier for social deprivation; however, closer examination of migrant populations in different European countries reveals tremendous heterogeneity. For example, recent migration patterns in Germany, Switzerland and the UK show that inward migration is characterised also by highly qualified migrant peoples. Against this background, the question arises as to what are the relevant issues which make migration a question for social work and what subjects should be addressed in social work research? This paper begins with conceptual considerations on the complexity of migration. Examining examples of social work research into migration, children and young people in the English and German languages from a cross-national systematic review, undertaken by the authors and spanning 2000-13, the authors identify the main foci of social work migration research thus far. Findings from the selected studies demonstrate a paucity and generality of social work research into migration and that the predominant focus is migration as a challenge for certain groups of migrant peoples, such as people seeking refuge or asylum. The authors argue that changes to practices in social work migration research, incorporating local, regional and international perspectives, are needed.

Recognising forced migrants in transnational social work

“…In contrast, if we look at the global definitions of social work, migration is “a core business of social work” (Cox and Geisen, 2014, p. 161) because social workers are engaged with people in their localities and wider networks from nations to transnational spaces. The definition of social work (IASSW and IFSW, 2014) emphases that “[…] Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work […]”.…”

Immigrant Social Workers and Transnational Practices: The Example of Latin Americans in Switzerland

“…This is also the case for social work with immigrants. Even though, nowadays, more attention is granted to the value of diversity and to preventing discrimination (Bolzman, 2009), the main focus of social intervention remains the integration of more-precarious and recent immigrant groups in local and national spaces (Cox & Geisen, 2014). Transnational migrants' ties and commitments are very often a "black box" for social work.…”

Transnationalism and social work education

“…Each document is between two and four pages, written in a format set by the College and available from the TCSW website. Documents reflect social work's focus on refugee and asylum-seeking peoples (Cox & Geisen, 2014). Although 'International Social Work' refers to 'migration' as a global issue, transnationalism is not mentioned.…”

“…To address such critiques, social work educators must disrupt dominant political ideologies: communities, societies and nations are comprised of the descendants of earlierarriving peoples and of recent arrivals (Cox & Geisen, 2014). Social work itself is comprised of numerous transnational peoples and social work educators must share with students something of our own and our families' origins and histories, demonstrating the contributions of transnational peoples and their descendants, while encouraging students to explore and share their own.…”