Comparative conceptions of social work: context, sources of knowledge and the professional role in Scotland and Nigeria

This chapter will explore the idea that social work is an internationally defined profession with shared aspirations and values, yet is characterised by localised priorities, nuances and sources of underpinning knowledge. It is this balance between the shared international vision for social work and the importance of recognising, generating and using indigenous knowledge within social work education that forms the core of this chapter. The discussion will acknowledge the disproportionate influence and presence of knowledge generated in the Global North globally, and consider its contribution, limitations and future alongside the crucial role of ‘local’ knowledge. The chapter will argue that social work knowledge wherever it is used and understood, must have a socio-cultural relevance to facilitate its application and impact. The chapter will draw from on the findings fromof a research project involving Scottish and Nigerian social work students, which will illustrate how these contextual and cultural contexts dimensions shape the motivations and perspectives of social work students. Additionally, the movement of knowledge across geographical and cultural boundaries will be considered in order to create a new vision for what the term international social work practice and education might mean and contain.