Re-examining international social work theory: “Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?”

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study is to present a discussion on new developmental perspectives for international social work (ISW) theory. In order to examine the various aspects of this theory, the author first discusses different theoretical social work frameworks. Since some aspects cannot be discussed according to these frameworks, three main perspectives are applied to examine these ISW theoretical assumptions: (1) the roots of ISW; (2) ISW actors, practitioners, and scholars; and (3) the future of ISW. A new ISW definition is then introduced, after which several proposals are presented to revitalize the discussions on future ISW theory that moves beyond the dominant ISW discourses largely based on Western-rooted professional social work, and related aspects such as positionality and language issues. In this regard, using new ISW viewpoints and recognizing the importance of emotional experiences in such perspectives will not only allow academics and practitioners to move forward, but will also help overcome the dichotomies between ISW theory and practice as well as between the West and the rest.