BA7008 Solidarity and Sustainable Global Social Work

Solidarity, i.e., "standing up for each other", has become an important social practice in modern societies. It describes both the idea of a reciprocal relationship between members of a group of people and the existence of a mutual moral obligation between group members (Bayertz). This connection not only exists objectively, but is also perceived subjectively, i.e., by the individuals themselves, and is considered significant. This fosters a sense of group identity and emotional connection among members, shaping a distinct community character. It also cultivates mutual support, with individuals expecting and willing to assist one another in times of need, while the legitimacy of the community and its shared goals is often inherently recognized.

Solidarity as a normative concept has only gained importance in recent years, both in theory and in empirical research. The context in which this change in definition has taken place is closely linked to new social challenges since the turn of the millennium, such as increasing globalisation, demographic change, new and changing migration movements, and the transformation of the world of work.

(2. Teil unter Lerninhalte)

Fachwissen

• Historisch systematisches Wissen und Theorien der Sozialen Arbeit
• Sozialwesen, Sozialstaat und Rechtswesen
• Soziale Probleme und Lebenslagen
• Theorien kommunikativen, reflexiven und ethischen Handelns

Sozialkompetenz

• Fähigkeit zur Kooperation

Selbstkompetenz

• Fähigkeit zur (Selbst-)Reflexion
• Fähigkeit zur selbstregulierten Wissenserweiterung

Solidarity has become an increasingly significant concept in social work, particularly in response to new disciplinary and professional challenges. This block course explores solidarity in relation to sustainability, social innovation, and co-production within a globalized context.

 Solidarity will be examined through both theoretical and empirical perspectives, analysing its role in social practices at local, regional, national, and global levels. It integrates anthropological insights, the context of modernisation, and welfare state dynamics to explore diverse concepts of solidarity. A particular focus is placed on the global dimension, systematically connecting different levels of solidarity.

Additionally, the block course provides practical insights into international cooperation initiatives developed at HSA within the framework of sustainable global social work, offering students concrete examples of solidarity in action.

2.Teil Leitidee

Due to an increase and intensification of social crises and conflicts, including economic and ecological crises as well as (new) wars, also questions of social cohesion and solidarity are being raised anew at various levels.

Various teaching and learning methods are used during the block week; in addition to lectures and presentations, workshops and practical visits are organised. The content of the block week will be designed in a participatory manner and organised and implemented together with participants from various universities, students, and representatives from the field.

The block course familiarises students with the importance of solidarity and sustainable global social work. The course is particularly recommended for students who are new to the topic but is also suitable for students who are already familiar the topic and would like to deepen their knowledge in a practical way.

2er-Skala

Brah, Avtar (2022). Decolonial Imaginings. Intersectional Conversations and Contestations. London: Goldsmiths Press.

Brand, Ulrich/Wissen, Markus (2017). Imperiale Lebensweise. Zur Ausbeutung von Mensch und Natur im globalen Kapitalismus. München: oekom.

Bayertz, Kurt (Hg.). Solidarität. Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp. S. 11-5

Mapp, Susan C. (2021). Human Rights and Social Justice in a Global Perspective. An Introduction to International Social Work. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

12.01.2026 - 16.01.2026

The module will be held in English and colleagues from international partner universities will be invited to participate in the block week. The module is offered in a blended learning format to enable and support access for students from partner universities, particularly those in historically underprivileged regions.