Social Work, Political Conflict and European Society: Reflections from Northern Ireland

Abstract

This chapter will explore the role of social workers in dealing with the political conflict in Northern Ireland and how this understanding can be translated to the wider European context. It begins with a brief historical account of contested ideas about the conflict and the consequent issues that now face Northern Irish society. At the core of the chapter is a discussion of the contemporary social work role which is shaped by a range of factors, including sectarian divisions, the nature of social work organisations and failures of the political process to deliver on the peace-building aspirations of the Belfast Agreement which was signed in 1998. In recent years there is evidence of more radical approaches to social work practice, policy and education which can challenge existing sectarianism and other forms of discrimination. The final section of the chapter then explores how some of these ideas may have resonance for social work in other parts of Europe where the effects of political conflict are apparent, including issues of mass migration, racism and forms of racism caused by the decisions of populist, neoliberal policies. The chapter concludes by appealing for European social work to adhere to principles and practices in dealing with the needs of victims and survivors in these settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)