Reconceptualization involves reconceptualizing.
Reconceptualization is a notion that is not part of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). On the other hand, the term conceptualization does appear, which refers to the process of conceptualizing (developing concepts about a topic).
The inclusion of the prefix re- indicates, therefore, that reconceptualization is the result of reconceptualizing . It is the practice that leads to thinking about something again to generate different concepts on the subject.
Example of reconceptualization
Suppose that a non-governmental organization has been carrying out, for two decades, certain work to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of a rural community.
With the aim of perfecting their work and helping those who need it more efficiently, the directors of the NGO undertake the work of reconceptualizing the entity: in this way, they begin to analyze what type of tasks they are carrying out, they reflect on what jobs they should do, etc. The result of this process will be a new conception of the organization.
The concept in the field of social work
The idea of reconceptualization is often applied to the field of social work . At the end of the 1960s , inspired by the thoughts of Antonio Gramsci , a reconceptualization movement emerged that proposed modifying the object of social work so that it moved away from welfareism and adopted a critical stance, taking into account the political context of the field of action.
We must not forget that it began specifically in countries such as Argentina , Brazil and Uruguay , and then did the same for Chile and the rest of Latin America .
The reconceptualization of social work, therefore, was promoted in Latin America , although its scope reached the entire world and influenced the discipline at a general level. It is important to differentiate between reconceptualization, which invites a new understanding of social work, and updating knowledge.
Reconceptualization was very important in the field of social work.
Changes driven by reconceptualization
In addition to everything stated about reconceptualization in the field of social work, other important aspects must be known:
- He put an end to previous approaches and opted to abandon methods that were considered ineffective.
- It sought to renew and improve systems already used to better adapt them to the circumstances of the moment and achieve better results. That is, to achieve more effective methods to understand and adequately serve society.
- Another of the men who has most influenced the development, expansion and consolidation of reconceptualization is Paulo Freire , who began to leave his mark in the 1970s . Specifically, what he explained was that the time had come to put an end to the figure of the professional with a descriptive and passive attitude. Thus, it established that it had to be made more active and establish a relationship with the other party that was more equal and based on dialogue.
- The entire set of ideas that Freire proposed served as the basis for, years later, Spain to shape what was known as the basic and integrated method , which would be fundamental within the social work sector.