Class Social Intervention in Contemporary Society

This Curricular Unit (CU) is essential for understanding contemporary society and its ongoing transformations, among which the configuration of the Risk Society stands out, characterised by uncertainty and new social challenges. These dynamics directly affect Social Work, requiring professionals to adopt an attitude of reflexivity and strategic thinking, integrating critical analysis, innovation, and ethical commitment. At the same time, the CU addresses new analytical frameworks for intervention, such as the culture of mediation and the culture of peace, enhancing the ability to problematise and act in contexts of increasing diversity and complexity. Thus, students are expected to acquire solid knowledge about contemporary social intervention and to develop competences for a critical and sustained practice in changing contexts.

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I. Social Work in Contemporary Societies 1. Globalization and the Risk Society: conceptualization 2. Social Work in the context of the Risk Society 3. Reframing social problems and new areas of social intervention 4. Current contexts of intervention: disasters and vulnerable populations 5. Current challenges for Social Work   II. Culture of mediation and culture of peace: analytical references for and in social intervention 1. Conceptual dynamics of social mediation 2. Intercultural mediation and social intervention 3. Configuring a culture of mediation and peace: reference models, mediator competences, and contextual analysis

The teaching and learning methodologies of this CU prioritise innovative and active approaches, centred on students and the development of reflexive and strategic competences. Emphasis is placed on Problem-Based Learning, which fosters the analysis and resolution of real or simulated situations; the flipped classroom, which encourages prior preparation and critical debate in class; collaborative work, which promotes knowledge sharing and the co-construction of solutions; and brainstorming, which stimulates creativity and critical thinking. These methodologies strengthen the link between theory and practice and contribute to the development of reflexive, strategic, and ethical competences, preparing students to face the challenges of social intervention in contemporary contexts.

Albuquerque, C., & Arcoverde, A. (2017). Serviço Social Contemporâneo: Reflexividade e Estratégia. Pactor. Almeida, H. N., Albuquerque, C. P., & Santos, C. C. (2013). Cultura de paz e mediação social: Fundamentos para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa e participativa. Mediaciones Sociales. Revista de Ciencias Sociales y de la Comunicación, 12, 132–157. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_MESO.2013.n12.45266 Dominelli, L. (2010). Globalization, contemporary challenges and social work practice. International Social Work, 53(5), 599–612. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872810371201 Webb, S. (2006). Social Work in a Risk Society. Social and Political Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.