Joint World Conference on Social Work,
Social Work Education and Social Development
Rethink Social Work Definition
Irene Leung
31 October 2014
Evolution of Global Social Work Definition
 International Federation of Social Workers
 International Association of Schools of
Social Work
Global Definition of Social Work 1957
"Social work is a systematic way of helping individuals
and groups towards better adaptation to society. The
social worker will work together with clients to develop
their inner resources and he will mobilize, if necessary,
outside facilities for assistance to bring about changes
in the environment. Thus, social work tries to
contribute towards greater harmony in society. As in
other professions social work is based on specialized
knowledge, certain principles and skills."
Global Definition of Social Work 2000
"The social work profession promotes social change,
problem-solving in human relationships and the
empowerment and liberation of people to enhance
well-being. Utilizing theories of human behaviour
and social systems, social work intervenes at the
points where people interact with their environments.
Principles of human rights and social justice are
fundamental to social work."
(Montreal , IFSW General Meeting)
Global Definition of Social Work 2014
"Social work is a practice-based profession and an
academic discipline that promotes social change and
development, social cohesion, and the empowerment
and liberation of people. Principles of social justice,
human rights, collective responsibility and respect
for diversities are central to social work.
Underpinned by theories of social work, social
sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge,
social work engages people and structures to address
life challenges and enhance wellbeing."
(Melbourne , IFSW General Meeting)
Rationale for Review of Global Social Work
• Embrace indigenous knowledge as well as broader social sciences into
social work theories
• Highlight human rights with emphasis on collective responsibility and
respect for diversity
• Inclusion of the concept of social capital vis-à-vis social cohesion
• Integrate the concept of “Discipline” into the profession
• Allow amplification on regional and/or national levels but not interfering
with the meaning of the elements of the definition and with the spirit of
the whole definition
Core Mandate 
• Embrace social development and social cohesion
• Combat structural barriers and develop critical consciousness
• Mean strategic for intervention, desired end states and a policy framework
transcending micro-macro divide, incorporating multi-system levels and
inter-sectoral and inter professional collaboration aimed at sustainable
development
Principles 
• Respect for inherent worth and dignity
• Doing no harm
• Respect for diversity
• Upholding human rights and social justices
Knowledge 
• Social Work is both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, draw on a wide
array of social theories and research
• Uniqueness of SW research and theories
– Applied and emancipatory co-constructed with service users in an
interactive and dialogue process
– Informed by not only proactive environment but also by indigenous
knowledges
Practice 
• Legitimacy and mandate of Social Work lies on its intervention at the
points where people interact with their environment
• Participatory methodology – engages people and structures to address life
challenges and enhance well being
• Emancipatory perspective – supports social work strategies aimed at
increasing people’s hope, self-esteem and creative potential to confront
and challenge oppressive power dynamics and structural sources of
injustice
Issues for Discussion/Dilemma
From Personal and Social Change To Social Development
and Social Cohesion
• Social Change  Need to challenge and change
structural conditions that contribute to marginalization,
exclusion and oppression
• Social Cohesion  Maintenance of Social Stability
Human Rights VS Collective Responsibility
• Human Rights need to co-exist alongside. Collective
responsibility – human rights can only be realized if
people take responsibility for each other and the
environment – importance of creating reciprocal
relationships within communities
• Advocate for human rights at all levels – facilitate
outcomes where people take responsibility for each others’
well-being, realize and respect the interdependence
among people and between people and the environment
“Doing No Harm” VS “Respect for Diversity” may
represent Conflicting and Competing values
• Constructive confrontation and change where certain
cultural beliefs, values and traditions violate people’s
basic human rights
• Culture is socially constructed and dynamic. It is subject
to deconstruction and change via critical and reflective
dialogue with members of the cultural groups vis-a-vis
broader human rights issues.
Western Science VS Indigenous Knowledge
• Social Work knowledge will be co-created and informed
by indigenous peoples
 Social Work seeks to reduce historic western
scientific colonialism and hegemony by listening
and learning from indigenous peoples around the
world
Holistic Focus is universal priorities of social
work practice will vary from one country to the
next, from time to time
It is the responsibility of social workers across the
world to defend, enrich and realize the values and
principles reflected in this definition
Do we need a regional definition or
national definition of social work?
Thank you!