Revisiting the Global Social Work Definition: How Social Workers Define the Profession a Decade Later?

Abstract

Social work has struggled to establish a unanimous definition encompassing the full professional scope. In 2014, the International Federation of Social Workers introduced a revised global definition outlining principles, objectives, goals and theories. Now, a decade later, questions have emerged about the definition and its contemporary relevance. This qualitative study interviewed sixty-five Israeli social workers to uncover how they define the profession. Analysis revealed they define social work as a profession that fosters positive change and well-being through tailored interventions. It upholds humanistic values like equality, dignity and participation and assists diverse clients experiencing challenging transitions by utilising different means of support. Findings show continuity in how social workers in Western contexts view the purpose and tools of the profession, whilst also highlighting tensions with the global definition’s macro-orientation. This research then incorporates an inclusive ‘both/and’ perspective, including both micro and macro dimensions, using principles from rights-based social work, to propose small amendments to the global definition.