Social Work Scholarship in the Global South

Social work educators and practitioners in the Global South – countries with histories of colonialism and geopolitical marginalization, which are predominantly, though not exclusively, located in the Southern Hemisphere – continually negotiate their missions and functions to address the challenges of decolonizing and/or indigenizing social work. This book examines the trajectory of social work education development by exploring the evolving tensions between global frameworks and local realities. While the mainstream literature increasingly recognizes the need to include voices from the Global South, current discussions are often fragmented. Scholars working within specific frameworks, such as "culturally appropriate social work" and "Indigenous social work" – frequently operate in isolation, preventing a cohesive challenge to dominant Western paradigms. This book serves as a unifying force, bringing these diverse strands of social work scholarship under the theme of the "Global South". It offers fresh perspectives on the decolonization of curricula, practical methods for integrating indigenous knowledge, and a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of transformation. Featuring experience-informed contributions from Aotearoa New Zealand, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe, this book highlights actionable approaches and insights to develop culturally anchored and contextually responsive education systems that reflect the realities and needs of their communities. Social Work Scholarship in the Global South is relevant reading for social work practitioners, policymakers, students, researchers, and other professionals in the field. The book may also be used as a supplemental text for social work courses.