Global Governance in Social Work

Abstract

This chapter starts with a short discussion of social work and how it interlinks educational issues with forms of support to enable people to cope with difficult situations. An example shall illustrate that a global perspective on questions of governance in social work has to consider the historical, economic, and political context in which it takes place. It will then be argued that “governance building” might be a fundamental necessity in strengthening the empowerment of people, and this means accepting the ambivalence of support and control. In this context, some distinguished authors will be identified who considered social movements as motors of governance bringing in normative aspects, which cannot be reduced to functional theory. Finally, the chapter concludes by reflecting on the role of research in defining support programs in welfare states.

Citation

Treptow, R. (2010), "Global Governance in Social Work", Karin Amos, S. (Ed.) International Educational Governance (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 12), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 217-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3679(2010)0000012014