Community development as a key element in social work education and practice in Spain

• Published in: Community Development Journal 2021-10, Vol.56 (4), p.644-662
• Main Authors: Anleu-Hernández, Claudia María, García-Moreno, Cristina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0010-3802; 1468-2656
• DOI: 10.1093/cdj/bsab026

Social work has always recognized the importance of community development as a key element in intervention and social change. Even so, the neoliberal context currently affecting the reality of most of the countries in the Global North is directly influencing the weakening of community actions and is reinforcing more individualistic positions. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the extent to which neoliberal policies are impacting on the teaching of community development content on social work programs in Spain and to study the impact of this reality on the implementation of community plans and projects in Catalonia. The methodology used was qualitative and was based on a systematic review of institutional documentation, community programs and specialized literature. Likewise, the study plans of the 32 universities currently teaching the social work degree in Spain were carefully reviewed to identify and analyze the subjects that focus their primary content on community development. We highlight the purpose of public and private institutions to maintain and promote community development plans and programs and the need to broaden and promote the community development approach in social work study plans. Finally, we present recommendations on how to promote social intervention and community development as key elements in both the training and practice of the social work profession.