Diversität unter Beschuss

Diversity is a hallmark of open, democratic and liberal societies. At present, however, diversity initiatives such as anti-discrimination work, inclusion, the right to asylum and reproductive rights are coming under attack – globally and, consequently, here in this country too. Right-wing populist, nationalist and ultra-conservative voices are gaining ground and are attempting to influence even emancipatory initiatives. At the same time, protests are emerging against these repressive policies and practices.

Social work, too, is increasingly having to grapple with repressive and authoritarian directives. Adherence to professional and ethical standards is becoming increasingly difficult: funding is being cut, certain areas of practice are having their state legitimacy withdrawn, and social work is being reduced to an administrative, monitoring and control body.

This anthology is devoted to diversity projects in the current authoritarian era. It focuses on forms of practice that resist these trends across all fields of social work, as well as civil society initiatives that seek to protect the profession and its ethical and emancipatory standards against the repressive politics of the present day.