ABSTRACT

Using examples from selected European countries, this chapter contextualises right-wing nationalist populism and neo-liberalism and the effect that these have on European social work. The professional spaces of European social workers are examined to consider the barriers and opportunities that social workers have to resist right-wing populism and its effects on social welfare, service provision and ultimately the welfare state. Examples from Germany, Finland and the United Kingdom contribute to an understanding of how right-wing nationalist populism and neo-liberalism results in practices and policies that directly or indirectly promote intolerance and violations of basic human rights. However, social work has a long history of resistance to forms of injustice and oppression. Resistance is therefore examined as a positive and legitimate form of social work practice. The act of resistance, in the examples provided is analysed in terms of a process of uncovering, confronting and resisting unjust right-wing populist movements. The chapter concludes with ideas for further development of the concept of resistance in social work research, education and practice.