Social Work and Civil Society - Reclaiming Links between the Social and the Personal
What does the profession of social work have to offer in a changing global society?
In this paper I argue that what social workers have always supposed to have done well, which is make the links between personal experience and broader social and political contexts, is even more necessary in this climate. How we as individuals are able to connect with, influence, and change our social environments becomes more of an imperative given the feelings of increased powerlessness and fragmentation in a more globalised economy and society.
I therefore look at some of the latest thinking about how social workers can make these links and how these might be of use in encouraging individuals to act effectively within their own social environments. In particular I look at the concept and process of critical reflection, and how it helps us realise some of the social and political potential of social work. In particular I focus on the relevance of a critical reflection process and approach in allowing us to relate effectively internationally, and to create more inclusive environments.
Lastly I relate critical reflection to broader critical social work approach.