MARCIN BORYCZKO

TOPIC:
BEYOND POPULISM: SOCIAL WORK'S ROLE IN REIMAGINING AND DECOLONIZING DEMOCRACY

BIO

Marcin Boryczko, PhD, Professor at the University of Gdańsk, teaches social work at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As head of the Department of Pedagogy, he is responsible for the social work program at the University of Gdańsk. He is an expert in the professionalization of the social work profession and the activities of trade unions, specifically the Polish Federation of Social Workers and Social Service Unions. He also serves as Poland's representative to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). Within the IFSW, he held the position of Human Rights Commissioner (for the European region) from 2020 to 2023, and he is currently a member of the Education Commission. As a board member of the European Social Work Research Association (ESWRA), he develops an international research network focused on social work and forms of social support. His research interests primarily focus on the intersection of social work, human rights, and decolonization. He is particularly interested in exploring innovative approaches to social work education and practice, including critical and transformative methodologies. His work often addresses the challenges posed by neoliberalism and authoritarian nationalism, with a commitment to advancing social justice and human rights through both theoretical and applied research. Additionally, he is deeply invested in examining the implications of global social issues such as migration, poverty, and health disparities on social work practices.

ABSTRACT

The world stands at a crossroads, where the foundations of democracy are increasingly tested by the surge of right-wing populism and post-fascist ideologies. Social work, rooted in human rights and social justice, cannot remain a bystander in this pivotal moment. This keynote explores critical questions about the state of democracy, the rise of post-fascism, and their profound implications for human rights and social work practice.

First, it interrogates what happens to democracy when it becomes a battleground for populist forces that undermine pluralism and equality. Post-fascism, a contemporary iteration of fascist ideologies cloaked in democratic veneers, normalizes exclusionary practices that erode human dignity and marginalize vulnerable groups. These political transformations threaten societal cohesion and challenge the ethical framework and operational efficacy of social work.

The discussion then moves to the psychology of fascist allure, asking why societies gravitate toward authoritarian solutions during times of crisis. Understanding this appeal is essential for crafting counter-narratives that prioritize empathy, solidarity, and democratic engagement.

Social work, as a discipline committed to fostering equity, bears a dual responsibility: to advocate for systemic change and to provide immediate support to those affected by the dehumanizing policies of post-fascist regimes. Borrowing from the philosophy and actions of antifascist movements, this keynote outlines how the ethos of "everyday anti-fascism"—proactively resisting oppression in all its forms—aligns with social work principles. Both traditions emphasize community empowerment, collective action, and an uncompromising stance against normalized injustice.

This concludes with a call to action: the enduring need for antifascism. History warns us that fascism's shadows persist, requiring vigilance and activism to prevent its resurgence. Social workers must engage as both practitioners and activists, collaborating with antifascist movements to safeguard democratic values, human rights, and the intrinsic worth of every individual.

Beyond resistance, this address calls for the decolonization of democracy, which involves dismantling Eurocentric narratives dominating political discourse and reimagining governance through postcolonial and global perspectives. Social work, with its dual commitment to systemic change and community empowerment, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative process. By drawing on antifascist philosophies and the practice of everyday resistance, social workers can collaborate with communities to build inclusive, participatory, and culturally pluralistic democratic systems.

In this vision, social work transcends its traditional roles, becoming an active force in reshaping democracy to prioritize equity and liberation. This keynote advocates for bold, reflective action, urging social workers to engage as both advocates and architects of a just and inclusive future. Together, we can transform democracy into a framework that values the intrinsic worth of every individual while fostering justice, diversity, and collective empowerment.