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.

International surrogacy - poor regulation risks exploiting women

International surrogacy is where intending parents arrange for another woman to bear a child for them. There’s a wide variety of legal arrangements around the world, and recent report from the EU reviews the mix of arrangements across the EU. A recent ‘roundtable’ meeting looked at the situation in the UK, in particular looking at the best interests of the child.

Many legal systems are rather obstructive to surrogacy, but it seems to be increasing internationally. In particular, surrogacy by Indian women is said in a recent report to be unregulated, and the women involved are unprotected and thought to suffer from poor care.

But, of course, being able to have a child when you can’t have one yourself is very important to many couples, so this is an issue that is not going to go away. Thoughtful regulation in what increasingly seems to be an international industry is increasingly important, in the interests of both the women and the children.

Link to the report on the roundtable (also has links to other documents)

Link to the EU report

 

Link to the Indian report.

Philippines social workers are typhoon survivors and continue as helpers too

Philippines social workers are survivors of the recent typhoon but also have to go on doing their work helping others. A Guardian article from the International Federation of Social Workers reports on their efforts.

Link to the Guardian article