Participation in Social Work and Pedagogy: Theory, Research and Practice

This book explores the concept of participation within the dynamic interplay between involvement and decision-making, set against an international backdrop and across diverse fields of social work practice and education. Participation, defined as meaningful engagement that acknowledges the needs and potential of all individuals, transcends mere decision-making. It requires active perception, collaboration, and communication, rather than simply selecting from externally defined options. This principle applies to both children and adults, operating at individual, structural, and societal levels. Consequently, it is essential to explore this concept across all dimensions of social work and pedagogical theory, research, and practice, as reflected in the interdisciplinary contributions of authors representing six countries on three continents.