Social Work in an International Perspective. History, views, diversity and human rights (Reeks: Sociale Wetenschappen – Kruispunten nr. 2)

In this work academics and practitioners from all five continents highlight
the history of the social work profession and its underlying academic and
social paradigms. The authors come from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium,
Canada, Ghana, Great Britain, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United
States. The structure of this work allows the reader to trace back the historical
and political influences in the interpretation of social work in the authors’
countries. Special attention is given to the notions of human rights and social
diversity. Are human rights universal and which impact does this universality
have on the social work profession? How does categorical work relate
to generalist practice and does this in its turn relate to the conception of
diversity? The authors approach these main queries in an exemplary and
balanced manner using both theoretical analysis and case studies.

The editors are the founding members of Mix!t, a forum for research, documentation
and education in living/together, University College Ghent.
Charlotte De Kock has a degree in African and cultural studies. She is active
in practice oriented research projects with a focus on intercultural society,
marital migration, integration policies, elderly migrants and intra-European
migration.

Christian Van Kerckhove is a scientist, philosopher and world traveller. He
is head of the Social Work Degree program at University College Ghent and
director of Mix!t. He teaches philosophy, social philosophy and ethics and is (co)
promoter of several research projects.
Eva Vens is a social worker and has a degree in comparative cultural sciences.
She teaches cultural anthropology at University College Ghent and is (co)
promotor of several research projects. With colleague Christian Van Kerckhove
she is responsible for the development of a diversity policy for the Faculty.