Changing Contexts of Practice: Challenges for Social Work and Community Development

ABSTRACT In a rapidly changing global environment, there have been renewed calls to position community development more centrally in social work, particularly in the face of contemporary practice challenges. This paper analyses the broad policy contexts of neoliberalism, globalisation, and governance change and discusses how these forces interact with social work and community development, drawing on examples from Australia and Ireland. The paper argues that sociopolitical forces both restrict and present opportunities for social work and community development practice and we seek to reactivate debate about the position of community development within changing and challenging contexts. IMPLICATIONS Contextualises community development practice, policy, and research within contemporary environments of neoliberalism, globalisation, and governance change. Critically evaluates implications and new opportunities for social work and community development, drawing on examples from Australia and Ireland. Reactivates debate and analysis on the position of community development in contemporary social work as we move forward into the new decade, and the next global agenda for social work and social development.