Social work as a civilising influence in oppressive societies

A commentary by someone who has been involved in trying to develop social work over the years in Cambodia (although not entirely without criticism) points to the difficulty in developing social work as part of the 'social order' when a society has faced severe social conflict, when priority is given to more urgent policing and military solutions to maintaining social order.

This article draws attention to how, in many countries across the world, social work struggles to gain relevance in the face of severe social difficulties. This is perhaps why many social workers in central Europe feel that their societies do not recognise what social work can contribute - there are so many other priorities. And yet, after the end of communist regimes, there was an early recognition that a caring welfare society could be an important civilising influence in what had often been oppressive regimes.

Link to the article on Cambodia Although this makes interesting points in places it does not make sense and has perhaps been inappropriately edited. However, there are useful links to different aspects of social care in Cambodia.