Moving beyond defining: an overview and reflection on issues in international social work

In this paper the authors introduce a broad discussion around the nature and scope of international social work. Efforts to define international social work are discussed and some particular definitions and dimensions presented for consideration. The role of organisations such as the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) in setting the parameters of international social work are briefly discussed. The authors then go on to identify some of the key debates that characterise discussions around international social work. Particular attention is paid to the universalist – indigenous continuum, where the discussion is informed and framed by post-imperialist, post-colonialist perspectives. The universalist and indigenous positions are explored, both in a general sense, drawing from some of the existing literature in this area, and more particularly by drawing on the authors' own experience as social work educators in Australia