Is there a European social work identity?

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine whether at this point in time the notion of a ‘European social work identity’ can be sustained. The paper commences with some brief consideration of theories of identity, and particularly draws attention to social constructionist identity theory, highlighting its focus on identity as a process. Ideas about what constitutes ‘collective identity’ are then examined. From this, two particular models of collective identity are presented which are helpful for understanding cultural identities. These are the more ‘traditional’ notion of collective culture being evidenced by the presence of shared histories and traditions, and the more social constructionist view of collective processes and action to form identities – whether imposed by the state or generated by the people – as constitutive of identities in themselves. ‘European identity’, and then ‘European social work identity’, will then be examined using these models of collective identity. The paper concludes that using social constructionist versions of identity (identity as a process of collectivisation), European social work identity can certainly be established.

Keywords:

• European
• identity
• collective
• social work
• process

Acknowledgements

This paper substantially develops ideas that have been previously published in relation to, specifically, social work education in Europe. I am grateful to the editors and publishers of E. Frost (2007) ‘European identities and social work education’, in: E. Frost, M.J. Freitas and A. Campanini (eds) Social Work Education in Europe (Rome: Carocci), and to the European Social Work Thematic Network: European Social Work Platform into the World, for permission to quote from my chapter.