Social work, social action and solidarity: messages from Scotland

Social work as a global profession and discipline is founded upon the emancipatory value of social justice. Social work in Scotland has a history of championing radical reform and prioritising welfare of the people and communities it serves. However, contemporary practice conditions in Scotland and the dominance of neo-liberal new public management, have increased challenges in the attainment of greater social justice. This chapter identifies decreasing quality of socio-economic conditions for vulnerable and disenfranchised populations across Scotland, widening health inequalities and declining public sector resourcing and worsening practice conditions. It argues for greater solidarity and collective social action on two-fronts: with people and communities social work serves, as well as collectively amongst the profession, to help attain better social justice outcomes for all. To achieve this, social work education in Scotland must emphasise the role of collective social action as a core component of contemporary social work leadership skills and professional identity.