The context-specific nature of rural social work practice: Findings from a scoping review

Drawing on the findings of a scoping review, this article highlights the context-specific nature of rural social work that makes it different from urban social work. It begins with a discussion of the marginalization of, and paucity of literature on, rural social work within the professional discourse before discussing the study’s methodology. It, then, focuses specifically on the findings relating to ‘context’ noting its centrality to definitions of rural social work practice. As well as geographical location, influential multilevel factors, such as international and domestic policies; economic, political, and sociocultural environments; and organizational requirements formed part of the context affecting local community life and rural social work practice. Rural contexts experienced challenges relating to rural poverty, socioeconomic inequality, cumulative disadvantage, resource scarcity, and professional shortages. Although the literature suggested the need for macro practice, organizational requirements made such prescriptions difficult to implement, while some suggested that professional social work itself might not be fit for purpose, due inter alia to its persistent Western and urban bias, clinical focus, and standardized education models and pedagogical approaches. The article ends with a discussion of the implications of the findings for rural social work education and practice.