European Conference of Social Work Education – ECSWE 2025

The aim of this conference is to explore how Social Work Education (SWE) can foster social connectedness as a crucial pillar for an inclusive, democratic, healthy, and socially sustainable society. We invite social work educators, researchers, students, service users, activists, and practitioners to discuss how SWE can critically address and promote social connectedness.

We encourage collaborative, innovative, creative, and proactive approaches to developing social work curricula, including ethics and values, theories, models, and interventions. These should address the main theme or one of the following five subthemes:

1. Connectedness in Politics and Democracy
2. Social Connectedness as a Social, Mental, and Physical Health Issue
3. Connectedness in Ecology and Sustainability
4. Connectedness Across Social and Cultural Divides
5. Digital Connectedness and (New) Technologies

While connectedness is often seen as a positive aspect of social life, it is important to scrutinize it critically. Contributors are invited to reflect on topics such as the "legitimacy" of being socially "disconnected," especially in the context of neoliberal discourses and modern technologies that promote constant "connection."

Reflective Questions

• What does "being socially disconnected" signify at the individual and collective level for democratic organizing, social life, and social work?
• What challenges do (radical and emancipatory) social workers face when addressing social connectedness without becoming agents of dominant discourses and power relations?
• What risks and negative effects may arise from the globalized and universalized idea of social connectedness?

We look forward to connecting with you and meeting you in Salzburg as a participant and contributor!