Overview
This lecture celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the social work program at NUI Galway, explored its origins, and featured a keynote on social justice and the evolving challenges facing social work.
History and Development of Social Work at NUI Galway
- The social work program began in 2004 with four students, expanding rapidly due to high demand.
- Historically, social work programs in Ireland were mainly in Dublin and Cork; Galway expanded regional access to training.
- The Department of Political Science and Sociology focused on scientific study but had traditions in community studies and anti-poverty work.
- Accreditation for Irish social work was previously managed from the UK until the National Social Work Qualifications Board was established in 1997.
- The program was developed based on Galway's background in community work and the need for non-Dublin/Cork training.
Social Work, Social Justice, and Current Challenges
- Social work is a highly intellectual and emotionally demanding profession.
- Anti-discriminatory practice has been significant but may be too institutionalized; the profession needs to move towards broader social justice concerns.
- Current global changes—economic, political, and environmental—require adaptation and new ways of thinking in social work.
- Increasing inequality is recognized broadly as harmful by both academics and conservative organizations.
- Social workers should challenge complacency towards inequality and think critically about supporting service users.
Redistribution and Recognition in Social Justice
- Redistribution: Focuses on material equality and addressing wealth gaps in society.
- Recognition: Involves valuing individuals equally and addressing the pain caused by misrecognition or being undervalued.
- Social workers must address both material needs and issues of recognition for marginalized groups.
Towards a Just Social Work Practice
- Shift from providing services to offering meaningful support, based on the real needs of service users.
- Emphasize a return to community-based social work and closer relationships with clients.
- Promote democratic decision-making and deliberation within the profession and alongside service users.
- Reflect social work values internally, including considering new organizational models beyond state employment.
- Maintain solidarity—responsibility to both known individuals and strangers—in changing times.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anti-discriminatory practice — Efforts within social work to challenge and eliminate discrimination.
- Redistribution — Adjusting the allocation of resources to promote economic equality.
- Recognition — Ensuring individuals/groups are respected and valued equally in society.
- Solidarity — Shared responsibility and support for others, especially those outside one’s immediate circle.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on how social work can adapt to upcoming political, economic, and environmental changes.
- Engage in further readings on recognition, redistribution, and anti-discriminatory practice (suggested: works by Nancy Fraser, Beverly Skeggs, and Piketty).
- Participate in ongoing debates and discussions about the future direction of social work practice.