THE PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGES OF REFLEXIVE MODERNIZATION - SOCIAL-WORK IN IRELAND

This article examines the impact of reflexive modernization on social work in Ireland. It examines (i) the role and task of the Irish social worker in a society that has modernized more rapidly than any other i n Europe; (ii) the meaning of pluralization, civil society and citizen ship in an Irish context; (iii) the possibilities offered by a develop mental strategy based upon empowerment, trust and user rights; (iv) th e professional competence and training of social workers in an entirel y university based system that has adapted itself to European training standards; and (v) the relationship between social work, humanism and citizenship in the Welfare State. While the article focuses on one so ciety, it is intended to be a contribution towards the development of comparartive perspectives in international social work discourse. As s uch it highlights commonalities as well as differences in a global age and therefore should be of interest to a broad readership.