A critical analysis of the social work definition according to the relational paradigm

In this article, we attempt to conduct a critical analysis of the joint IFSW and IASSW social work definition by re-reading it from the perspective of the relational paradigm. Our hypothesis is that if we adopt a precise position that focuses on the essentials, rather than seeking to pull together different and sometimes discordant perspectives, it might be possible to overcome some discrepancies and difficulties evident in the current definition. The intention is to identify the core of social work without undermining the ‘paradigmatic openness’ of it.