Global Definition of Social Work (IFSW 2014)
Social work, as defined globally by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in 2014, is a practice-based profession and academic discipline that promotes social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. It is fundamentally rooted in principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity.
Key Takeaways
Social work promotes change, development, and empowerment based on human rights.
Core principles include social justice, collective responsibility, and diversity respect.
Practice requires interdisciplinary knowledge, including indigenous wisdom.
Intervention occurs across micro, meso, and macro levels of society.
The profession focuses on working with people, not for them, fostering liberation.
What are the fundamental principles guiding global social work practice?
The global definition of social work, established by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in 2014, is firmly anchored in a set of core ethical and philosophical principles that dictate professional conduct and goals. These principles ensure that social workers operate with a clear moral compass aimed at societal betterment and individual well-being, demanding a commitment to upholding the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. Practitioners must actively challenge systemic barriers and promote human rights in all forms. This foundation requires integrating ethical considerations into every aspect of intervention, ensuring actions are always aligned with promoting fairness, social justice, and equity across diverse populations and contexts globally.
- Social justice
- Human rights
- Collective responsibility
- Respect for diversity
- Dignidad humana (Human dignity)
- No hacer daño (Do no harm)
- Derechos civiles, sociales y ambientales (Civil, social, and environmental rights)
What are the basic duties and core objectives of social work professionals?
Social work professionals are tasked with several critical duties centered on transforming society and supporting vulnerable populations through strategic action. Their primary objective is to facilitate meaningful social change by addressing structural inequalities and promoting sustainable development practices that benefit the entire community, ensuring long-term viability. This involves actively working toward greater social cohesion, ensuring that all members of society feel connected, valued, and included in decision-making processes. Furthermore, a key duty involves the empowerment and liberation of individuals and groups who are marginalized or oppressed, enabling them to take control of their lives, mitigate poverty, and advocate effectively for their fundamental rights.
- Facilitate social change
- Sustainable social development
- Social cohesion
- Empowerment and liberation
- Mitigate poverty
- Fight inequality and oppression
- Promote inclusion
What knowledge base is required for effective social work practice?
Effective social work practice relies on a robust and diverse knowledge base that is both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, drawing insights from multiple academic fields simultaneously. Practitioners must integrate established theories from the social sciences and humanities, such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology, to understand complex human behavior and societal structures comprehensively. Crucially, the profession also emphasizes the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and local wisdom, recognizing the value of non-Western perspectives and historical context in shaping interventions. This commitment extends to engaging in applied and emancipatory research, which not only seeks to understand problems but actively works toward liberation and repairing the historical damage caused by scientific colonialism.
- Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge
- Social sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge
- Applied and emancipatory research
- Psychology, sociology, anthropology
- Co-construction with users
- Repairing scientific colonialism
How is professional social work practice implemented across different levels?
Professional social work practice is implemented through dynamic intervention strategies that focus intensely on the interaction between the person and their environment, recognizing that individual challenges are often rooted in systemic issues. A core tenet is the commitment to working with people, fostering their autonomy and self-determination, rather than simply acting for them in a paternalistic manner. Practice occurs across multiple scales: micro (individual/family), meso (groups/organizations), and macro (policy/community), including institutional management and leadership. To achieve goals like empowerment and social change, practitioners utilize a range of key strategies, from therapeutic counseling and building self-esteem to political advocacy and social management, ensuring a holistic approach to human well-being and justice.
- Person ↔ environment intervention
- Work with and not for people
- Levels: micro, meso, macro, and institutional management
- Key strategies
- Self-esteem and hope
- Empowerment
- Therapy and counseling
- Group and community work
- Political advocacy and social management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of social work intervention?
The primary focus is the dynamic interaction between the person and their environment. Intervention aims to address individual needs while simultaneously challenging the systemic barriers that create inequality and oppression, promoting holistic well-being.
How does social work incorporate diverse knowledge?
Social work uses an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from social sciences, humanities, and crucially, indigenous knowledge. This ensures practice is culturally relevant, contextually informed, and avoids colonial biases.
What does 'empowerment and liberation' mean in social work?
It means enabling individuals and groups to gain control over their lives, mitigate poverty, and actively fight against systemic inequality and oppression. It promotes self-determination, inclusion, and social justice for marginalized populations.
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