Opinions from Japan on the proposed draft of the “Global Definition of Social Work”
2013.12.5

Global Definition of Social WorkInternational definition of the social work profession：
The social work profession facilitates social change and development, social cohesion, andthe empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights,
collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinnedby theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social
work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

1. “Global Definition of Social Work” or “International Definition of the Social WorkProfession” ?
Reading the proposed draft, we wonder if the definition is that of “social work” or of“social work profession.” The two are not completely the same, with the latter being acomponent or an aspect of the former. It is our opinion that a definition of the socialwork profession should be included and described within the broader “definition ofsocial work” so entitled.
Furthermore, we suppose that “social work profession” is not necessarily the sameas the “social worker,” possibly referring to a wider range of professions involved insocial work.

If so, we would like to see an illustration of such professions in thecommentary.
2. “Global Definition of Social Work” or “International Definition of the Social Work
Profession ” ?
The draft says “global” at one time and “international” at another time. We shouldmake it clear that it is unambiguously the “global” definition. Calling it “international”
would be confusing because regional definition is also “international” by definition.
3. Importance of Local Knowledges
We propose that “indigenous knowledges” is replaced by “indigenous and localknowledges” as the latter expression can cover important popular knowleges of manydifferent parts of the world that are not regarded as strictly “indigenous.”

4. Social Cohesion or Social Inclusion?
Some people are worried that “social cohesion” may entail more or less coerced
obedience to organizations and the state, and proposed “social inclusion” instead.
5. Individuals Fading Out?
Some people expressed a concern that the individual and the significance ofrearranging one’s immediate environment seem to be fading out in the wake ofincreasing emphasis on social development and social action. More explanation in thecommentary on what kind of arguments in the review process prompted this move
would be helpful to understand that the current draft values both individuals andsociety and attempts to balance the two, correcting the earlier bias that favored theformer.
6. Theoretical System of Concepts
There was an opinion that the draft enumerates many concepts and values (socialchange and development, social cohesion, empowerment, liberation, social justice,human rights, collective responsibility, diversity, wellbeing) without explaining theirrelationship to each other. Shouldn’t we highlight the essence of social work moreclearly and show what would be the ultimate goal(s) and/or value(s) and what would be
more instrumental values led by the former?
It seems that the current draft has not yet become the best definition easy tounderstand for everyone. To come up with a better definition in the future, it will benecessary for us to try to reconstruct a distinct theoretical system of social work througha series of logical reworking on its various aspects and/or components (subject, object,goal, principle, reason, content, time/place, method, etc.).
7. Social JusticeSome concern was expressed on the “social justice” set in place at the core of social
work without clarifying on its definition, as what “social justice” means can be radicallydifferent from place to place, depending on culture.
8. Battle against the West?
There was an opinion that the wording of the criticism of Western hegemony in thecommentary may be a little too strong and dividing. There may be a softer way ofsaying it to connote constructive argument and cooperation rather than a battle
between two camps.
9. Request for the Outcome of Feedbacks
We would welcome a brief report on what opinions were expressed by othercountries and how they will have been reflected in the final definition.
（社会福祉専門職団体協議会訳／原案：片岡信之氏（社会福祉専門職団体協議会国際委員、公益社団法人日本精神保健福祉士協会）