Putting ‘glamour’ back into practice thinking: Implications for social and community development work

Abstract

There have been many calls for social work to renew its commitment to practice. This article argues for an old-fashioned, yet curiously postmodern social work practice, based on integrative thinking. Integrative thinking and inquiry are defined and grounded on the premises of reflexive thinking, practice wisdom and humanistic thinking. Characteristics of integrative thinking are discussed. Principles for its application to rural practice and community development work are offered.     

Dual language contexts in social work practice: the Gaelic in the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar region (Outer Hebrides,Scotland) and Spanish in the Southwestern United States

This paper addresses the complex historical/political scenarios of Spanish-speaking people in the Southwestern USA and of Gaelic speakers in the Outer Hebrides. It examines (1) the historical background and current status of Spanish in the Southwestern USA and Gaelic in the Outer Hebrides; (2) comparative issues in relation to the use of dual languages; and (3) the challenges that communication in more than one prevalent language present to social work service providers. It is based on field research in the Southwestern USA (primarily Arizona) and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar region (Outer Hebrides, Scotland). While these two areas might appear totally different, the commonalities created by English as the default but not always the primary language of clients in both settings make the comparisons intriguing.     

US/Spanish comparisons on temporary immigrant workers: implications for policy development and community practice Trabajadores inmigrantes temporales en los EEUU y España: implicaciones para el desarrollo de políticas sociales y servicios comunitarios

Issues of immigration policy have recently become a central preoccupation of citizens, policy makers and law enforcement agencies throughout the globe. This paper addresses the commonalities and differences in policy and services experienced by temporary workers in the US and Spain, focusing on the South-western US and Andalusia. Laws and regulations affecting temporary workers in both countries are reviewed. Implications for social service providers are drawn and contrasted.

Problemas relacionados a las políticas inmigratorias se han transformado en una preocupación central de los políticos, la policía migratoria y los administradores de programas sociales en muchos países del mundo. Este artículo se enfoca en las similitudes y diferencias en políticas de servicios que afectan a los trabajadores inmigrantes temporales en los EEUU y España, concentrándose principalmente en el Sur-oeste de los EEUU y Andalucía. Se describen las leyes principales que afectan a estos trabajadores en ambos países y se discuten las implicaciones de esta situación para los trabajadores sociales.     

Urbanites’ perception of vegetation in landscape-based stormwater management elements (LSM)

Urban Ecosystems - The popularity and use of green infrastructure measures such as green roofs, green walls, and curb extensions is growing, especially in dense urban areas. At the same time, from...