title: Bi-directional Exchange: the Cornerstone of Globally Focused Social Work.
abstract: Social work holds a unique place relative to other professions in that it prioritizes the elimination of human suffering as its primary goal. The roots of the profession are firmly planted in Western theories, historically and culturally specific perspectives, and knowledge. History has repeatedly demonstrated an association between the arrival of Westerners and the subsequent control of natural resources. Some argue that the development of global social work practice has serious pitfalls, including diverting needed resources away from local contexts and inadvertently spreading western world-views, paradigms and practices. However, the social work profession is uniquely positioned to offer expertise and collaborate with those experiencing the serious consequences of social inequity and the dearth of economic and social resources locally and across the globe. Grounded in anti-oppressive theory, guided by the difficult, yet acute awareness of western privilege and racism, and drawing from social/collective action and collaborative paradigms, a bi-directional exchange and action are detailed as the foundations for globally focused social work. The skills and knowledge base for global social work are essential as populations locally and worldwide are impacted by a global economic system that innately increases serious social inequity. Comprehensive training and preparation for globally focused social work, critical to successful engagement in global practice are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Adjunct Faculty, Silver School of Social Work, Deputy Director, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy & Research, New York University, New York, USA, gary.parker@nyu.edu.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Post-doctoral Fellow, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy & Research, New York University, New York, USA, sa1112@nyu.edu.
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Research Scientist, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy & Research, New York University, New York, USA, kr487@nyu.edu.
authors.forename: Kassia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ringell
authors.affiliation: McSilver Professor of Poverty Studies, Silver School of Social Work, Director, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy & Research, New York University, New York, USA, mary.mckay@nyu.edu.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKay
keywords: Bi-directionality; Global social work; Social work education; Social work practice