International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World, Third Edition, is a comprehensive treatment of all dimensions of international social work. The authors' four-part framework includes domestic practice and policy influenced by global forces, professional exchange, international practice, and global social policy. The first section of the book explores globalization, development and human rights as foundational concepts for international social work. The text then provides an overview of global social issues and international organizations related to social welfare. Part II offers an overview of the global history of the profession. Similarities and differences in social work around the world are examined through seven country examples. Part III provides an extensive discussion of current aspects of the global profession, with chapters on ethics, social policy, international development practice, and practice at the international/domestic interface. Modalities of international professional exchange are then explored prior to a concluding chapter that provides recommendations for international action.The text is enlivened by numerous case examples, drawn from many parts of the world. The history chapters include brief biographies of noted social workers on the international scene whose accomplishments serve as inspiration for readers. The text is extensively referenced with updated professional literature and intergovernmental documents. Carefully selected items in the appendix expand the usefulness of the book.

ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgments1. International Social Work: Context and DefinitionsGlobalization: Why International Social Work?What Is International Social Work?Knowledge Base for International Social Work-Major ConceptsCountries Selected as Special Examples for the TextPART I: THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: CONCEPTS, ISSUES, AND ORGANIZATIONS2. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: GlobalizationGlobalizationThe Impact of Globalization and Global Interdependence on Various SectorsNew Economic Crises and ReactionsSocial Issues and Globalization: Two ExamplesProspects for Action: Opportunities in Globalization3. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Development, Environment, and SustainabilityDefining DevelopmentBrief History of Development EffortsThe Environmental ChallengeSocial Work and DevelopmentSummary on Development4. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Human RightsHuman Rights PhilosophyHuman Rights as a Regime of International LawHuman Rights and Social WorkConclusion: Linking Development and Human Rights5. Global Social IssuesPovertyThe Status of WomenProblems of Children in Difficult CircumstancesAgingNatural and Man-Made DisastersConclusion6. International Social Welfare Organizations and Their FunctionsIntroduction to Development and Development AssistanceUnited Nations Agencies and ActivitiesGovernmental AgenciesNongovernmental OrganizationsConclusion: Moving ForwardPART II: THE PROFESSION INTERNATIONALLY7. The History of the Development of Social WorkInternational Development of the ProfessionConclusion8. International Professional Action: A Selective HistoryAntecedents: Activism in the Social Movements of the Early Twentieth CenturySocial Work Takes the World Stage: International OrganizationsDirect Work in International Organizations: Three ExamplesConclusion9. Social Work Around the World TodayDenmarkJamaicaEthiopiaCosta RicaArmeniaJapanUnited StatesSimilarities and Differences in the World of Social WorkPART III: INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: VALUES, PRACTICE, AND POLICY10. Values and Ethics for International Professional ActionUniversalism Versus Cultural RelativismValues and Ethics for International Professional ActionConclusion and Recommendations11. International Relief and Development PracticeContext and Content of International Relief and Development PracticeSocial Work Roles in International Relief and DevelopmentLessons Learned From International Relief and Development: Program PrinciplesConclusion: What International Practice Means for Social Work Domestically12. International/Domestic Practice InterfaceTransnational and Social Work With International PopulationsInternational AdoptionIntercountry CaseworkSocial Work in Border AreasInternational Practice Issues for Social Work Planners, Administrators, and Community OrganizersPolicy Issues and Agency BoardsConclusion13. Understanding and Influencing Global PolicyInternational and Global Social Policy DefinedRationale for Social Work Involvement: Policy Agenda and Professional ValuesGlobal Social Policy Actions in PracticeTypes of Policies and Strategies for InfluenceConclusionPART IV: STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES14. International Exchange: An Essential Mechanism for International Social WorkImportance of International Exchange Relationships in Higher EducationLearning From Abroad: Comparative Policy Analysis and Technology TransferMutual Exchange in Social WorkStudy Abroad, International Field Placements, and Other Educational ExchangesTechnology and ExchangeThe European Example: Exchange as a Tool to Promote EuropeanizationRegulation and Labor Mobility for the ProfessionParadigm Shift in International ExchangeThe Promise of International Connections for Developing the ProfessionPreparation for International Social Work: Beyond Exchange ProgramsConclusion and Recommendations15. Professional Action for Transformative Global ChangeEssential Concepts for International Social WorkSocial Work Values and Professional IssuesSocial Work, Civil Society, and Transformative Global ChangeAppendix A. Global Social Work Statement of Ethical PrinciplesAppendix B. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Selected Goals With TargetsAppendix C. Countries by Human Development Index RankingsAppendix D. Milestones in the International History of Social Work Around the WorldGlossary of Terms and AbbreviationsIndex