Contextual social work and internationalizing social work education: Two sides of the same story?

Abstract

• Summary: Social work is contextual; some may argue that there is a contradiction between advocating more internationalization in social work education and emphasizing the importance of contextual social work. This article starts with a review of some core concepts, followed by a discussion of results from an inquiry into social work around the world. The professors were asked to define and reflect upon the achievements, dilemmas and pitfalls related to the concepts of international, comparative and contextual social work. Together with some relevant literature, their reflections and understandings form the basis for this article. • Findings: The discussion of findings concerns a discourse about how useful global principles, values and ethics may be in approaching dilemmas in social work practices. It is concluded that there is no contradiction between advocating more internationalization in social work education, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of contextual social work. More internationalization by use of comparative social work is very useful, though it is necessary to be aware of the pitfalls and reflect upon how social work ethics can be applied in different contexts. • Applications: Having fellow students and scholars pose unexpected questions and representing new perspectives in the analysis of academic and professional issues is possible to do without diminishing the relevance of local research, education and practice, and will be productive for the learning process.