How to Train Social Workers to Participate in Social Change in France
This paper is made up of 2 parts.
Part one : What kind of social workers for what kind of social change ?
After first examining two definitions of social workers, that of the IFSW and that of the French Code of Social Action and of Families, there will be an attempt to justify the participation of social workers in social change.
How do social workers participate in social change, what kind of social change is it ?
« Social change » is a concept, a process which can be exogenous or endogenous.
Social change is also the product of social interactions.
It seems to result from social actions, to be a change in direction.
This paper is an attempt to analyse it and to relate a few experiments to illustrate the participation of social workers. It also aims at pointing out the existing differences with English speaking countries.
Part two : To train social workers to participate in social change
- Within the framework of the national system of education which provides theoretical models , study groups are at work.
These tools are meant to develop know-how and interpersonal skills. Social workers being presented as social actors and citizens.
This pedagogical approach respects human rights and social justice which are the fundamental values inscribed in the code of ethics. Research and study trips contribute to reach this objective through the observation of cultural and structural differences.
- Within the framework of training courses, field trainers help to develop specific abilities such as social expertise and social work with : the Person, the Group or the Community
Such training sessions make it easier for trainees to become aware of their participation in social change.That is what we can also witness in Quebec.
- Within the framework of professional organisations, for instance the « Association Nationale des Assistants de Service Social », the delegates of the Training Commission contact official bodies in an effort to have this objective taken into account when setting the curriculum of training courses and the final diploma.