Social Work in a Changing Europe - Walter

The process of European integration confronts social work with issues which have lain dormant since the early days of the profession: What role has social work played in the bringing about of national (and now European) cohesion? Is the agenda dictated by economic and political interests, or can the citizens of Europe control the process without resorting to divisive nationalism? Now, more than ever, social workers have to examine their historic origins, their diverse knowledge base and their place in the welfare community to establish their identity within the future Europe. In the tension between growing nationalism and imposed conformity in Europe, social work has a mandate for promoting the development of a civil society that integrates cultural diversity and personal identity. It can only do this effectively by confronting racism at all levels and participating critically in the transformation of welfare structures towards user-controlled services. In addressing these acute issues, "Social Work in a Changing Europe", draws on the diversity of European social work traditions and approaches, and maps out an international social work agenda.