Race, racism and social work today: some concluding thoughts

Abstract

This book draws together a range of writers to consider aspects of ‘race’, racism and contemporary social work. It considers the development of anti-racist social work theory and practice within the shifting terrain of the politics of ‘race’ within modern Britain. Included in the collection are chapters looking at developments within anti-racist social work theory and practice, including discussion of the impact of neo-liberalism on black and Asian communities, the strengths and problems associated with notions of ‘cultural competencies’, the development of an analysis of ‘xeno-racism’ and considerations of the role of black and Asian workers as ‘catalysers’ of change. Significantly for a text on anti-racist social work and there are chapters on anti-Semitism, anti-Roma racism and Islamophobia. Further chapters include discussion of asylum-seeking young people, debates around the politics of ‘street-grooming’, a qualified defence of ‘multiculturalism, an analysis of the impact of austerity measures on services for minority communities, a policy analysis of the implications of the ‘Prevent’ counter-terrorism strategy and its implications for welfare workers, and an analysis of the role of migrant workers within the social care sector. Collectively the book opens up significant areas of debate and analysis within social work that students, practitioners and researchers need to fully engage with. It intends to act as a stimulus for further research and debate in this important area of social work theory and practice.