How to train social intervention professionals in a polarised world?

Authors

Bruno Michon, ESEISFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0000-1823-4428

Abstract

This article examines the challenges of training social intervention professionals in an increasingly polarised society. Drawing on theoretical perspectives on political and affective polarisation, it explores how contemporary social divisions shape social work practice. The analysis includes findings from a five-year qualitative study on radicalisation prevention in France, highlighting tensions between security imperatives and the ethical foundations of social work. These tensions often generate mistrust and professional dilemmas for practitioners. The article argues that social work education must address polarisation directly. It proposes three key responses: reaffirming human rights as the ethical foundation of the profession, adopting professional stances that avoid reinforcing polarisation, and strengthening international openness and scientific training in higher education.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Michon, Bruno (2026) "How to train social intervention professionals in a polarised world?," Journal of Social Care: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://arrow.tudublin.ie/jsoc/vol5/iss2/12