ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part demonstrate, above all, the contested and complex nature of social work. Understanding social work’s identity and purpose becomes even more problematic when people waken up to the fact that social work has been implicated in processes of colonisation, often showing disregard for indigenous cultures and patterns of living. The part then explores the big questions about social work history, social work as a profession, and social work as it is practised today. It explores similar themes, but with particular focus on ‘universal’ social work, global ethics, and human rights. The part also examines social work in more detail, through the lenses of scandal and risk, both of which have played a huge part in framing policy and practice in different settings.
