International Social Work: Themes and Perspectives.

AuthorHarris, Helen Wilson
PositionReview

Karen Lyons, International Social Work: Themes and Perspectives, Aldershot, Hampshire, England: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 1999. 193 pp.. No price given.

"The world is becoming smaller all the time." I have heard that quote from a number of sources the past twenty or so years. In her book, International Social Work, Karen Lyons makes the case that social work professionals must broaden our knowledge base, our awareness, and our vision to encompass an international perspective on global challenges, social justice, and what she calls the "social professions." Her book has grown out of her own interest in the "commonalities and diversity in the human condition" and in the increase in regionalization and globalization of issues, resources, and services. Lyons presents an academic treatment of some of the facets of social work across nations, cultures, and continents. She acknowledges that this is an introductory treatment of the subject which is influenced by her European practice and teaching experience.

Lyons's review of the literature and her overview of international and trans-world organizations and services. She begins her book with an introduction to the concepts of global context: and social change. The impact of political change on social welfare, position of women and children, treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, and the resultant impact on migration and refugees are juxtaposed against social work core values and the commitment of social professions to the realization of social justice for marginalized populations. This leads quite naturally to a discussion of the social work profession across the world including necessary education and professional credentialing requirements in major areas of the world, and international social work organizations, their membership, and functions. I found this discussion very important as the school of social work with which I am affiliated is investigating seriously the possibility of international field internships. The notions of educational consistency, core values, credentialing and supervision are...

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