The Relevance of Decolonizing Social Work: Critical Reflections on Colonial Pasts, Post-Colonial Presents and Decolonial Futures

  • The multiple and simultaneous realities of Social Work practice have always been more complex than its theories suggested. The knowledges, desires and perspectives of its addressees are much more nuanced than standardized empirical qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (that inform theorization) could possibly grasp. In consequence, many assumingly universal and evidence-based methods and instruments in Social Work do not lead towards anticipated outcomes that aim to support the social, political, ecological and economic needs of the addressees. Social Work theories in turn often lack the consideration of, under others, race, class and gender subordination and domination effects, which form integral parts of power dynamics between the oppressed and the oppressors at play in the 21st century. This leads to downplaying the need to theorize and support solidarity from below, as well as to strengthen relational accountability between those that want to advance social justice. In addition, structural elements “from above” such as political and welfare systems and development economies do not receive significant attention either. In consequence, many theories do not lead to concepts, approaches and praxis that sufficiently grasp the historical and contemporary situatedness in which Social Work operates.

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Metadaten
Author:Anna-Lisa Klages, Sara Rodríguez Lugo, Robel Afeworki Abay, Tanja Kleibl
Parent Title (English):Decolonizing Social Work: From Theory to Transformative Practice
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing
Document Type:Part of a Book
Language:English
Year of publication:2024
Release Date:2024/03/21
Faculties and institutes:Fakultäten / Fakultät Angewandte Sozialwissenschaften
Institute und Zentren / Institut für Angewandte Sozialwissenschaften (IFAS)
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