International Social Work

Professional Action in an Interdependent World

Third Edition

Author Lynne Moore Healy and Rebecca Leela Thomas

Case examples enliven the text and bridge the gap between theory and practice
Brief biographies of noted social workers bring history to life
Extensive references provide students with up to date professional literature and intergovernmental documents
An action- and practice-focused definition of international social work serves as the framework for student learning
Combines the expertise of Lynne Healy, a world-renowned pioneer in international social work, and her new co-author, Rebecca Thomas, who has a background in both social work and international development and direct experience in several countries

New Edition

International Social Work

Professional Action in an Interdependent World

Third Edition

Author Lynne Moore Healy and Rebecca Leela Thomas

Description

International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World, Third Edition, is a comprehensive treatment of all dimensions of international social work. The authors' four-part framework includes domestic practice and policy influenced by global forces, professional exchange, international practice, and global social policy. The first section of the book explores globalization, development and human rights as foundational concepts for international social work. The text then provides an overview of global social issues and international organizations related to social welfare. Part II offers an overview of the global history of the profession. Similarities and differences in social work around the world are examined through seven country examples. Part III provides an extensive discussion of current aspects of the global profession, with chapters on ethics, social policy, international development practice, and practice at the international/domestic interface. Modalities of international professional exchange are then explored prior to a concluding chapter that provides recommendations for international action.

The text is enlivened by numerous case examples, drawn from many parts of the world. The history chapters include brief biographies of noted social workers on the international scene whose accomplishments serve as inspiration for readers. The text is extensively referenced with updated professional literature and intergovernmental documents. Carefully selected items in the appendix expand the usefulness of the book.

New Edition

International Social Work

Professional Action in an Interdependent World

Third Edition

Author Lynne Moore Healy and Rebecca Leela Thomas

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. International Social Work: Context and Definitions
Globalization: Why International Social Work?
What Is International Social Work?
Knowledge Base for International Social Work-Major Concepts
Countries Selected as Special Examples for the Text
PART I: THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: CONCEPTS, ISSUES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
2. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Globalization
Globalization
The Impact of Globalization and Global Interdependence on Various Sectors
New Economic Crises and Reactions
Social Issues and Globalization: Two Examples
Prospects for Action: Opportunities in Globalization
3. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Development, Environment, and Sustainability
Defining Development
Brief History of Development Efforts
The Environmental Challenge
Social Work and Development
Summary on Development
4. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Human Rights
Human Rights Philosophy
Human Rights as a Regime of International Law
Human Rights and Social Work
Conclusion: Linking Development and Human Rights
5. Global Social Issues
Poverty
The Status of Women
Problems of Children in Difficult Circumstances
Aging
Natural and Man-Made Disasters
Conclusion
6. International Social Welfare Organizations and Their Functions
Introduction to Development and Development Assistance
United Nations Agencies and Activities
Governmental Agencies
Nongovernmental Organizations
Conclusion: Moving Forward
PART II: THE PROFESSION INTERNATIONALLY
7. The History of the Development of Social Work
International Development of the Profession
Conclusion
8. International Professional Action: A Selective History
Antecedents: Activism in the Social Movements of the Early Twentieth Century
Social Work Takes the World Stage: International Organizations
Direct Work in International Organizations: Three Examples
Conclusion
9. Social Work Around the World Today
Denmark
Jamaica
Ethiopia
Costa Rica
Armenia
Japan
United States
Similarities and Differences in the World of Social Work
PART III: INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: VALUES, PRACTICE, AND POLICY
10. Values and Ethics for International Professional Action
Universalism Versus Cultural Relativism
Values and Ethics for International Professional Action
Conclusion and Recommendations
11. International Relief and Development Practice
Context and Content of International Relief and Development Practice
Social Work Roles in International Relief and Development
Lessons Learned From International Relief and Development: Program Principles
Conclusion: What International Practice Means for Social Work Domestically
12. International/Domestic Practice Interface
Transnational and Social Work With International Populations
International Adoption
Intercountry Casework
Social Work in Border Areas
International Practice Issues for Social Work Planners, Administrators, and Community Organizers
Policy Issues and Agency Boards
Conclusion
13. Understanding and Influencing Global Policy
International and Global Social Policy Defined
Rationale for Social Work Involvement: Policy Agenda and Professional Values
Global Social Policy Actions in Practice
Types of Policies and Strategies for Influence
Conclusion
PART IV: STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES
14. International Exchange: An Essential Mechanism for International Social Work
Importance of International Exchange Relationships in Higher Education
Learning From Abroad: Comparative Policy Analysis and Technology Transfer
Mutual Exchange in Social Work
Study Abroad, International Field Placements, and Other Educational Exchanges
Technology and Exchange
The European Example: Exchange as a Tool to Promote Europeanization
Regulation and Labor Mobility for the Profession
Paradigm Shift in International Exchange
The Promise of International Connections for Developing the Profession
Preparation for International Social Work: Beyond Exchange Programs
Conclusion and Recommendations
15. Professional Action for Transformative Global Change
Essential Concepts for International Social Work
Social Work Values and Professional Issues
Social Work, Civil Society, and Transformative Global Change
Appendix A. Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles
Appendix B. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Selected Goals With Targets
Appendix C. Countries by Human Development Index Rankings
Appendix D. Milestones in the International History of Social Work Around the World
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Index

New Edition

International Social Work

Professional Action in an Interdependent World

Third Edition

Author Lynne Moore Healy and Rebecca Leela Thomas

Author Information

Author Lynne Moore Healy, Professor Emerita, University of Connecticut, and Author Rebecca Leela Thomas, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut

Lynne M. Healy, MSW, Ph.D. is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She has lectured or consulted in more than 25 countries. Dr. Healy is currently the Main Representative to the United Nations in New York for the IASSW and serves on the editorial board of the Encyclopedia of Social Work and of several professional journals. Rebecca L. Thomas, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the University Of Connecticut School Of Social Work Center for International Social Work Studies. Dr. Thomas is the Chair of the Global Commission and represents IASSW on the NGO Committee on Migration at the United Nations. She also serves on the City of Hartford Commission on Immigrant on Immigrant Affairs.

New Edition

International Social Work

Professional Action in an Interdependent World

Third Edition

Author Lynne Moore Healy and Rebecca Leela Thomas

Reviews and Awards

"The publication of the third edition of International Social Work attests to the book's enduring popularity and value. In this edition, Healy and Thomas provide up-to-date information about developments in social work and social policy around the world. Like its predecessors, the book is wide ranging, informative, well written, and balanced. It will continue to be a primary resource for students, professional social workers and researchers interested in international issues for many years to come." - James Midgley, University of California, Berkeley, United States of America

"This is an exceptional contribution to the literature on international social work. The chapter on human rights is particularly important because it provides an important global context for this important social work value that is often spoken of without adequate depth. This book is certain to excite new social workers about international practice and reinforce the knowledge of those already committed to international work." - Sandra E. Crewe, Howard University, United States of America

"International Social Work is a masterpiece filled with passion, encouragements, expectations, and hopes for the social work profession to effect transformative global change in the international arena, advance social justice, and improve human well-being." - Angelina Yuen-Tsang, (Hong Kong), Former President, IASSW "

"An improved edition of a milestone book, where readers can find an updated analysis of the knowledge about the international dimension of social work, as well as some new deep insights on human rights, climate change, environment awareness, UN policies and much more. Interesting cases from different parts of the world are provided to show how theories and concepts can be useful in real life contexts, amalgamating academic rigor with practice wisdom. This inspirational book should be a must-have for scholars, students, practitioners and all the people who want to understand the role of social work in our globalized world." - Annamaria Campanini, (Italy), Former President, IASSW "

"Lynne Healy and Rebecca Thomas's updated and revised International Social Work is an important and much welcomed text. In this new edition the authors strengthen their argument that social work has an important role to play in the international arena. This is particularly pertinent in the current climate where global influences are increasingly impacting local and national interests and concerns. I highly recommend this influential text for graduate and undergraduate courses across the globe and as important text for social work and human services workers who are committed to placing local and national issues in their international context." - Carolyn Noble, ACAP, Australia "

"This book highlights the ebb and flow of social work's influence, internationally, within historical perspective and challenges social workers to amplify the profession's global voice and common vision within the context of diversity. It comes at a time when multilateral organizations like UNICEF are promoting social work and social service workforce strengthening as an entry point for advancing care and support for the world's most vulnerable groups." - Rebecca T Davis, Rutgers University, United States of America "

"In compelling ways this book promotes the shared awareness amongst social workers of the world as our collective home. Lynne Healy and Rebecca Thomas in their extensive research and vivid case studies end the debate about the role of international social work, making it clearly an imperative for the twenty-first century. The central role of human rights is presented in urgent and operational ways so that readers are invited to see the rich resources and policy instruments that are part of the framework of intervention. Similarly the authors trace the concept of development so that readers recognize that we are all in developing countries, where the eradication of poverty is a universal goal. There is prescient discussion of past global viruses such as SARS and an empowering theme of collaboration as the world copes with COVID-19 and recognizes more forcefully the value of working together for social justice and well-being." - Rosemary Link, University of Minnesota, USA "

"The third edition of International Social Work is an impressively comprehensive text that gives a framework for understanding what international social work, in all its facets, is. As well as explaining the history, theories, and research, the many cases and biographies give life to the text. " - Gurid Aga Askeland, VID Specialized University, Norway "

"International Social Work is essential reading for scholars and students interested in pressing global issues of poverty, human rights, and development. In this third edition, Healy and Thomas give renewed emphasis to environmental issues and sustainability while maintaining the previous edition's groundbreaking focus on social work practice, policy, exchanges, and organizations around the world." - David K. Androff, Arizona State University, United States of America "