The future of social work: A revision and a vision

Abstract

This paper aims to revisit the social work of the twentieth century and look forward to alternative practices in the twenty-first century. The discussion will focus on examining three aspects: the origins and nature of social work, the alienation of social work from its mission in the process of development, and the challenges of globalisation and post-modernism. The authors argue that the roots of social work are values; knowledge is only a vehicle for maintaining and pursuing humanistic values. Social work of the twentieth century, as a product of modernity, was dominated by science and rationality. In its 'second century', social work will tend to be more of an international, culturally sensitive, personal, moral, and affective practice. Humanities, instead of social sciences, will become the major knowledge base for social work. The profile of a social worker in the next century will be a helping person with head, heart, and hands.