Social Dialogue 31 · Volume 01

In this volume

Perspectives on the pressures shaping social work, and the possibilities for practice.

24 contributions
  1. 01
    Editorial

    Editorial

    Carolyn Noble introduces the global challenges and international contributions that bring these two volumes together.

    • Carolyn NobleAustralia
  2. 02
    President’s message

    IASSW Message

    IASSW President Antoinette Lombard reflects on global collaboration, shared knowledge and collective action in social work.

    • Antoinette Lombard
  3. 03
    Malta · Practice

    Sustaining Social Work in Small Island Welfare States: A Maltese Reflection on Global Pressures and Local Practice

    A Maltese perspective on migration, care, workforce wellbeing and the relational infrastructure that social work needs.

    • Dr Damian SpiteriMalta
  4. 04
    India · Glocal social work

    Structural Intersections in Contemporary Social Work: A Glocal Analysis of Transnational Crises, Regional Policies and Local Practice

    Jilly John connects transnational crises and regional welfare policy with the demographic pressures shaping local social work in Kerala.

    • Dr Jilly John, Ph.D.India
  5. 05
    Global · Housing

    The Global Challenge of Good Housing and Its Implications for Social Work

    David Moxley explores housing as a social determinant of health and proposes resident-governed associations to improve access, affordability and sustainability.

    • David P. Moxley, Ph.D.United States
  6. 06
    Global · Workforce and technology

    The Converging Crises of Social Work: Workforce Conditions, Algorithmic Governance, and Ecological Accountability

    Felicia Owadara examines workforce pressures, algorithmic decision-making and the ecological costs of digital infrastructure in social work.

    • Felicia O. Owadara, PhDCanada
  7. 07
    Ecuador · Water and community

    Unequal access to water for human consumption in indigenous and rural populations in Ecuador

    Four accounts from the Intergenerational Water School explore unequal access to drinking water and communities’ collective memory of water in Ecuador.

    • Gabriela Estefania Duque OrozcoEcuador
    • Josué CabezasEcuador
    • Ferdinand HidalgoEcuador
    • Gidany CacuangoEcuador
  8. 08
    Africa · Social development

    The Role of Social Work in Addressing Contemporary Social Development Challenges in Africa

    Yusuf Sagir examines social work’s contributions to inclusive development in Africa, from community practice and human rights to policy and professional education.

    • Yusuf SagirNigeria
  9. 09
    Australia · Aged care

    Counted Care and Invisible Care: Social Work and Workforce Visibility in Australian Residential Aged Care

    Victoria Dessau examines which forms of care work are counted in residential aged care and the consequences for social work recognition.

    • Victoria DessauAustralia
  10. 10
    Puerto Rico · Education

    University–Government Partnerships in Social Work Education: Development, Benefits, and Challenges of the Title IV-E Training Program in Puerto Rico

    The PROCATS IV-E program illustrates the benefits and challenges of university–government partnerships in child welfare education.

    • Gisela Negrón-Velázquez, Ph.D.Puerto Rico
  11. 11
    United States · Professional recognition

    Professional Recognition at Risk: Social Work, Federal Student Loans, and the RISE Final Rule

    Barbara Shank considers the relationship between professional recognition, federal student loans and access to social work education.

    • Barbara W. Shank, MSW, PhDUnited States
  12. 12
    South Asia · Education and practice

    Social Work Education and Practice in South Asia: A Systematic Review of Contemporary Challenges and Future Directions

    A systematic review examines professional recognition, education, regulation and workforce challenges across South Asia.

    • Sanju DhakalUnited States
    • Mohammad Didar Hossain, PhDUnited States
  13. 13
    England · Education

    Thinking Under Pressure: Developing Thinking Capacity in English Social Work Education and Practice

    Tiffany Green considers the conditions that help social workers maintain their capacity to think in demanding practice environments.

    • Tiffany GreenUnited Kingdom
  14. 14
    Sweden · Ecosocial work

    Quiet Absence: Situating Ecosocial Work in the Swedish Social Work Context

    Reflections from Sweden’s first ecosocial work conference ask why ecological perspectives remain at the margins of practice.

    • Stephanie RostSweden
    • Elvi ChangSweden
    • Angelika Kaffrell-LindahlSweden
    • Nessica NassenSweden
  15. 15
    Chile · Disciplinary education

    The state of disciplinary training in Social Work in highly commodified educational systems: The case of the Chilean system

    Christian A. Quinteros-Flores examines the scientific sustainability of social work education within Chile’s market-driven higher education system.

    • Christian A. Quinteros-FloresChile
  16. 16
    Belgium · Artificial intelligence

    Chatbots are already talking to our clients. Where is social work?

    Tim Vanhove calls for social work involvement in shaping conversational AI, including shared quality standards and international collaboration.

    • Tim VanhoveBelgium
  17. 17
    India · Practice and recognition

    Bridging the Issues: Social Work Challenges in Bengal .

    Srija Ghosh reflects on professional recognition, fieldwork and the challenges facing social work in Bengal.

    • Srija GhoshIndia
  18. 18
    India · Art and community

    Social Work Intervention in an Artisan Community: A Social Dialogue on Creativity and Sustainable Development

    Suchetana Ghosh explores creativity, livelihoods and social work intervention with Dokra artisans in Bikna, West Bengal.

    • Suchetana Ghosh, PhDIndia
  19. 19
    Central Asia · Professional development

    Reimagining Social Welfare: Development and Professionalization of Social Work in Central Asia

    An overview of social work’s professionalisation across Central Asia examines historical legacies, international partnerships and opportunities for growth.

    • Mashkhura Akilova, PhD, MSWUnited States
    • Lyudmila Kim, LCSWUnited States
  20. 20
    Uruguay · Health reform

    Challenges for Social Work in the Field of Mental Health in Uruguay

    María José Beltrán and Leticia Torrado examine social work’s role and professional challenges in Uruguay’s reformed health system.

    • María José BeltránUruguay
    • Leticia TorradoUruguay
  21. 21
    Spain · Workforce wellbeing

    Current problems facing Social Work: The occupational health of professionals intervening in gender-based violence in the Valencian Community (Spain)

    Research with professionals in the Valencian Community examines working conditions and occupational health in gender-based violence services.

    • Encarna Canet BenaventSpain
    • Gloria Mª Caravantes López de LermaSpain
    • Xavier Uceda MazaSpain
  22. 22
    Canada · International students

    Transnational Ties Among International Students in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Social Work Practice

    A qualitative study explores how international students’ transnational ties supported resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • David FirangCanada
  23. 23
    Latin America · Training and practice

    Challenges in Social Work: A Perspective Based on Training and Professional Practice with a Human Rights Focus.

    Interviews with practitioners in Ecuador and Chile explore resources, working conditions, recognition and a human rights approach to social work.

    • Mgtr. Roxanna Rivadeneira AriasEcuador
    • Karen Belén Villao HurtadoEcuador
  24. 24
    Global · Military families

    Social Isolation Among Military Spouses Living Overseas

    Janine Rodriguez examines social isolation among military spouses overseas and its implications for wellbeing and social work practice.

    • Janine Rodriguez, LCSWPuerto Rico