Perspective Chapter: Structures of Thinking in Community-Based Working Culture – Renewing Social Work Practices

Abstract

In this article, a community-based working culture is introduced, and the development of social work orientations within a socially and culturally diverse community in Finland is examined through a case study. The objective is to expand understanding of the evolution of social work, grounding it in its ethical foundations. Two authors have previously synthesized competences of community social work; here, these competences are revisited in the context of recent practice development, with a focus on deconstructing power and knowledge. The assertion is that structures of thinking are a requisite to translate competencies into action, while moral courage and a tangible scope for action are essential to transforming practices. Tailoring social work to the lived experiences and contexts of those in need is imperative to effectively respond to evolving social challenges, some of which emanate from structural injustices.