Learning process 16/09

Today in class, we discussed the readings and one of them being very complex and labourious to understand but fortunately after the discussion and summing up, it was much better!!
The first reading was claiming that for comparative analysis to occur, it is important to have certain dimensions that transcend each country in comparison. The author gave example as welfare regimes, organisation of social work amongs others. The pros of comparative studies:

• Comparing pratices, methods of intervention and education of professional give an  opportunity to share knowledge and successful experiences.
• With globalisation, many countries across Europe and even more broadly, across the World, face the same social challenges, dilemas and problems therefore, the solution can be more a global one than only national-wise.
• to try to enclude those target groups that are normally left out by national policies ,examples were ppl who do not have a solid nationality(immigrants, refugees ect.)

The authors claim an objective approach but at the same time, exposed the various problems in doing so because of the very subjective nature of social Work itself.
Social Work in a country does not stand on its own as a distinct entity but it is dymanically embedded in the context it is evolving. Context here include the national traditions, culture, beliefs, values and importance of social work. Even more how social is perceived, it is a professional or more voluntary based action ect.

And more importantly i have realised(and being  taught that) there is NO perfect theory or practice in social work and that Theory give ways to new interrogations and insights on. Theory and Pratice Area are two distinct things. Of course theory gives a base but it does not have to be tranferred directly in reality.

Secondly, the importance of having an anti-discriminative approach in social work practice by firstly be aware that there can be some grounds for prejudices but it is our duty not to discriminate our clients or encourage its perpetuation. We should of course have an open mind and not jump into precipitated conclusion if for instance we have a client of different ethnic belonging than the majority ,that the latter is facing discrimination ONLY on the basis of race. Very tricky i think because S.Workers should be aware of it but not over emphasising on it.
Anti-discrimination is not only an individual movement but can be at a more mezzo or macro level(when implementing policies at a national, regional or international level).