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Rethinking Professional Identity in a Globalized World

Clinical Social Work Journal volume 45, pages 1–9 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Recent literature has shed light on changes in the development of personal identity as a result of globalization, but the development of professional identity in the era of globalization has not yet been examined. To fill this gap, we analyzed this issue in light of the traditional construction of the social work profession, the paradigm of cultural competence and cultural relativism, and International Social Work programs. The analysis revealed that professional efforts to cope with globalization might have the opposite effect by reinforcing individualism, nationalism, and oppression, as well as by reinforcing hierarchical power relations among different cultural groups and residents of Northern and Southern countries. In light of this situation, it is important to recognize the need for a complex professional identity that interweaves indigenous, local, global, and universalistic thinking with perceptions based on the new declarations of the social work profession. As such, further research and continuing professional discussions and elaboration are recommended.

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  1. The Israeli National Council for Social Work, School of Social Work, Sapir College, 7916500, D.N. Hof Ashkelon, Israel

    Orit Nuttman-Shwartz

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Nuttman-Shwartz, O. Rethinking Professional Identity in a Globalized World. Clin Soc Work J 45, 1–9 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-016-0588-z

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Keywords

  • Cultural competence
  • Cultural relativism
  • Globalization
  • Professional identity
  • International social work
  • Social work education