In this work, international academics and practitioners highlight the history of the social work profession and its underlying academic and social paradigms. The contributors come from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, South Africa, Ghana, and India. The structure of the book allows the reader to trace back the historical and political influences in the interpretation of social work in the authors' home countries. Special attention is given to the notions of human rights and social diversity. Are human rights universal? What impact does this universality have on the social work profession? How does categorical work relate to generalist practice and does this in its turn relate to the conception of diversity? The book approaches these main queries in an exemplary and balanced manner, using both theoretical analysis and case studies. (Series: Social Sciences - Crossroads / Reeks Social Wetenschappen - Kruispunten - Vol. 2) Subject: Social Work, History, Human Rights]