Social Work as an Agent of Transformation: An Analysis of its Methodological Evolution in the Face of Social Dynamics and Interdisciplinarity

Abstract

This research explores the profound methodological evolution of Social Work, marking a clear transition from a welfare-based approach to more critical, participatory, and social transformation-oriented intervention practices. Such an evolution is a direct and necessary response to contemporary societal changes and complexities, as well as to the growing influence of interdisciplinary thinking as a fundamental pillar of applied knowledge. The study examines how transformations in the social fabric have required a reconfiguration of professional practices, making visible the prevailing need to address complex social problems from a more holistic, ethical and contextualized perspective. The central objective is to analyze how the methodologies currently used in Social Work reflect an effective integration of interdisciplinary thinking and the significant impact of these changes on daily professional practice, especially in institutional contexts that demand rapid, effective and socially committed responses. A mixed-approach research design is used, with a qualitative phase that performs an exhaustive systematic review of the specialized literature, and a quantitative phase that will implement a survey aimed at professionals in the area to identify perceptions and practices. The preliminary results suggest a growing appropriation of collaborative and critical approaches and underscore the vital need to consolidate interdisciplinary methodological training in academic programs. The conclusions highlight the urgency of redefining the role of Social Work as a transformative and strategic agent, capable of acting effectively in the face of social inequalities, basing its praxis on the pillars of ethics, reflexivity and the indispensable dialogue of knowledge.