Lecturer from the University of Ghent shared at ULusófona challenges, market changes, and guidance for future social work professionals
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Rudi Roose, professor of Sociology at the University of Ghent, Belgium, recently visited Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário do Porto to initiate preparations for the international TISA 2025 conference.
During his visit, the professor emphasised the urgency of addressing structural challenges, such as the lack of solidarity and the effects of neoliberalism, which have critically shaped the context of social work.
According to Roose, "social workers need to be critical, analytical, and resilient to handle growing complexities." He also highlighted the importance of an integrated approach that connects various sectors and practices, underlining that social work requires patience, commitment, and a broad vision to tackle complex issues.
Academic research was another key topic during his visit. Roose believes that rigorous investigation is essential to support professional practice, enabling the identification of local solutions that can be adapted to global contexts.
He also warned about the risks of digitalisation, which could increase vulnerabilities, and stressed the need for a critical approach involving educators and professionals committed to strengthening solidarity-based systems.
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