Approaching the Concept of Change in Education for Social Work

“Change” is one of the most confused and abused terms in social work literature, practice, and education. It is a very complex concept, but has been treated very casually and simplistically, and has suffered from a lack of analysis of its many dimensions and implications. This unclear usage results in a disservice to students when it is taught without full awareness of its multiple meanings, directions, and consequences. This paper attempts an analysis of these factors, with special emphasis on the nature of individual change and the role of a helping person in that process.