The Importance of Social Workers in Communities: A Global Perspective

Abstract

Global socioeconomic, ecological, and political challenges result in, among others, diverse communities where intolerance and injustices such as oppression and marginalization are visible. The very nature of social work is to provide services to individuals and groups within their natural settings to promote the well-being of the community and its members. From a developmental approach, the profession aims to encourage community participation and social cohesion, selfdetermination, the use of indigenous knowledge and practices, and self-reliance. This discussion focuses on the importance of social work in communities and explores how community participation and social cohesion can be encouraged to support community psychosocial well-being. The philosophy of Ubuntu and theconcept of conviviality as guiding frameworks for social work in communities are considered to propose an innovative approach to build convivial communities through creative arts-based initiatives where principles of reciprocity and relatedness guide a way of living that supports solidarity and social change.