The course will focus on the analysis of the main processes of social transformation and the ever-new challenges for social work. The aim is to contribute to the development of a critical and reflective approach to the professional practice of social workers. Students will specifically acquire the ability to understand the distinctive features of the changes affecting contemporary societies, with particular reference to the dynamics of social inclusion and exclusion, growing social inequalities, power dynamics, and the new requirements of economic and financial regulation at national and supranational levels. In addition, there will be an in-depth analysis of the future of social work in an era of globalisation and multiple crises, as part of a broader reflection on the process of renewal and reinvigoration of the social professions, but also of the revitalisation of democracy and public ethics.