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Social Work Education in the Context of Globalization: Perceptions, Challenges...
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Social Work Education in the Context of Globalization: Perceptions, Challenges and Innovations

A special issue of Social Sciences (ISSN 2076-0760). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Policy and Welfare".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2026) | Viewed by 4105

Editor

Dr. Denise MacDermott

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
Interests: social work education; professional supervision; placement professional competence model; pedagogic partnerships; co-design; experts by experience

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the rich diversity of social work education across international contexts, critically examining how social work educators and practitioners are responding to the continuing challenges faced by global citizens: political conflict, climate change, inequalities in health and human rights, international protections for displaced people, war, educational sustainable development, poverty and declining resources. This includes an exploration of how, as academics and social workers, we are preparing future social work professionals to act as critical thinkers, innovators and leaders, upholding the principles of social justice, human rights and inclusivity in an increasingly polarized and fragmented landscape. This Special Issue invites contributors from an international audience to extend the evidence base and debate on perceptions, challenges and innovations through the comparative contexts of international social work education and our responses to amplifying and addressing the global challenges faced by people and communities.

Abstracts for original articles based on primary data, reflective practice narratives, theory-based think pieces, educational papers, systematic literature reviews, research and practice innovations are welcomed.

Dr. Denise MacDermott
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Social Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable social work practices
  • social justice
  • social work in disasters
  • social work education
  • social work field education
  • student–faculty pedagogic partnerships
  • new technologies and professional development
  • supervision
  • inter professional learning
  • international social work

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 991 KB  
Article
Promoting Compassionate and Intentional Interactions Using the Awareness, Acceptance and Action Model (AAAM) in a Northern Ireland Context
by Neil Abell and Audrey Roulston
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(8), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15080510 - 1 Aug 2026
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Introduction: The Awareness/Acceptance/Action Model (AAAM) was initially developed by one of the authors to explore stigma and prejudice towards people living with HIV/AIDS. In the present study, the AAAM was examined for its personal and professional relevance to people affected by the Troubles, [...] Read more.
Introduction: The Awareness/Acceptance/Action Model (AAAM) was initially developed by one of the authors to explore stigma and prejudice towards people living with HIV/AIDS. In the present study, the AAAM was examined for its personal and professional relevance to people affected by the Troubles, 30 years of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. When unchecked, judgmental or reactive attitudes can undermine intentions to consistently deliver services in line with professional standards and human rights. Methods: Despite a devolved, power-sharing government and steps to address longstanding political and religious grievances, cultural sensitivities and animosity remain on both sides of the divide. A university in Northern Ireland recruited 11 practice teachers and 18 social work students, who participated in one of four focus groups. Mindfulness principles and techniques were used to allow participants to visualise “the other” before exploring how prejudice might impact personal and professional interactions. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts was conducted using Braun and Clarke to assess the presence and nature of labelling, stereotyping, out-grouping and discriminating against people perceived as “the other”. Findings: Given the potential differences in identity, background, and experiences of social work practitioners and service users, it is important that we critically reflect on how we serve people based on direct or intergenerationally transmitted encounters. The AAAM was then piloted in undergraduate social work degree programmes and shared with practice teachers. Feedback confirmed that it offers a theoretical framework to promote anti-oppressive practice and critical reflection during professional social work training. Using Mindfulness techniques to visualise “the other” prompted participants to listen well and look deeply at the origins of their prejudices or fear, and how these could lead to biased interactions with service users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work Education in the Context of Globalization: Perceptions, Challenges and Innovations)
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19 pages, 277 KB  
Article
Charting the Evolution: Professionalizing Social Work in Jordan—A Critical Analysis of the Transition from Semi-Profession to Full Professionalization
by Sahar AlMakhamreh, Mary McColgan, Colette Murphy and Michael Murray
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(4), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15040231 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 833
Abstract
This paper examines the development process that frames the professionalization of social work in Jordan between 2019 and 2023, situated within the European Union-funded Support to Social Protection Programme: Helping Deliver Social Inclusion. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development [...] Read more.
This paper examines the development process that frames the professionalization of social work in Jordan between 2019 and 2023, situated within the European Union-funded Support to Social Protection Programme: Helping Deliver Social Inclusion. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), the initiative sought to strengthen the professional infrastructure through legislative development, specialist training, and the establishment of accredited university-level curricula to support a coherent, national career pathway for social workers. This paper critically analyses the transition from semi-professional to full professional status, with particular attention to the model used to facilitate ownership by four Jordanian universities and harness and strengthen the practice of social work. It further examines the academic framework underpinning the development of a national Common Core Curriculum for Social Work, drawing on established curriculum theories to guide the negotiated application of global approaches within the Jordanian context, with sensitivity to indigenous knowledge and cultural awareness. Reflections on the strengths and limitations of the development process are informed by stakeholder feedback, current outcomes, and anticipated future developments, with an emphasis on the value of interagency collaboration and networking approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work Education in the Context of Globalization: Perceptions, Challenges and Innovations)
15 pages, 250 KB  
Article
Teaching Against Hate in a Globalised World. Lessons from Initial Teacher Education in Chile for Social Work Education
by Jesús Marolla-Gajardo and María Yazmina Lozano-Mas
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(10), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14100595 - 8 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Hate speech comprises expressions that promote discrimination, violence, and the exclusion of individuals or groups based on identity characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Social media platforms have provided a space for the amplification of such discourse, fostering a climate [...] Read more.
Hate speech comprises expressions that promote discrimination, violence, and the exclusion of individuals or groups based on identity characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Social media platforms have provided a space for the amplification of such discourse, fostering a climate of intolerance that undermines social and democratic coexistence. In the educational sphere, hate speech has a detrimental impact on the initial training of students and teachers. That its presence within school environments contributes to social fragmentation, the deterioration of learning processes, and an increase in violence. Furthermore, such discourse reinforces prejudices and stereotypes that hinder the construction of a critical and pluralistic citizenship. From the outset of teacher education, it is essential to develop pedagogical strategies that foster critical thinking and education in democratic values. Digital literacy and explicit instruction on the impact of hate speech can contribute to the prevention of these exclusionary dynamics. An inclusive and reflective education is key to counteracting the effects of intolerance in contemporary society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work Education in the Context of Globalization: Perceptions, Challenges and Innovations)

Review

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14 pages, 593 KB  
Review
The Relationship Between International Social Work and Indigenousness: A Scoping Review
by Masateru Higashida
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(6), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15060408 - 22 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 376
Abstract
This study examined how indigenous perspectives are represented and discussed in the mainstream literature within the field of international social work. A scoping review was conducted to map both well-established and under-researched discourses in the literature. The findings revealed that the majority of [...] Read more.
This study examined how indigenous perspectives are represented and discussed in the mainstream literature within the field of international social work. A scoping review was conducted to map both well-established and under-researched discourses in the literature. The findings revealed that the majority of the papers shed light on indigenous knowledges and practices in non-Western countries or regions and particularly within the Global South context, while countering imperialistic and colonialist discourses. Additionally, several papers addressed the need to move beyond the dichotomy between universalisation and indigenisation and the Western versus non-Western binary. The study findings also indicate research gaps that have remained unfilled in the mainstream literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work Education in the Context of Globalization: Perceptions, Challenges and Innovations)
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