Theories for decolonial social work practice in South Africa

Theories for decolonial social work practice in South Africa is suitable for social work education and the in-service training of qualified social workers, child and youth care workers and community development practitioners. In addition, the book will be of interest to social work academics and researchers because of its unique decolonial and African approach to Global North theories, and its contribution to the development of Global South theories.

Theories for decolonial social work practice in South Africa is a local book critically presenting social work theories that are suitable for decolonial and developmental generalist practice in the Global South. The choice of theories included in this book is informed by the lived experiences of South Africans in a multicultural, post-colonial, post-apartheid society. The book sees the goal of social work as effecting transformation and liberation, through the implementation of the developmental approach, and by drawing on decolonial and African concepts. It supports social workers in working toward this goal by stimulating critical reflection and disrupting taken-for-granted beliefs and practices. It guides readers to work with client groups across the micro-mezzo-macro continuum in such a way that they are empowered to develop agency, thereby affirming the basic values of social justice and human dignity.