Social Work and the political conflict in Northern Ireland: an exploration of spatial dimensions to the provision of state services for children and young people

This paper explores ways in which a concept of space can enable a fuller understanding of the impact of political conflict on social work within Northern Ireland. It begins with an overview of the origins and process of the conflict which has lasted for over forty years, and a complex social work role, impacted by sectarianism and other forms of social divisions. It then moves beyond that analysis to consider how the concept of space can further enhance an understanding of professional issues, with a particular focus on policy and practice with children, young people and their families. It is argued that reimagining the social work role in a way that takes accounts of psycho-socio-spatial dimensions can encourage interventions that are more flexible and empowering, and thus better able to deal with the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Finally, the authors argue that there is a need to move beyond the particularities of the Northern Ireland by reflecting upon the experiences of social work and children and young people in other international political conflicts.