Developing the notion of ubuntu as African theory for social work practice

Breda, Adrian D. van

doi:10.15270/55-4-762

Cited by 52 publications

(76 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Ubuntu is consistent with the values and ideals of social work, notably "human solidarity, empathy, and human dignity" (Van Breda, 2019:441). Secondly, ubuntu is associated with the core social work values of social justice (Schreiber & Tomm-Bonde, 2015;Van Breda, 2019). In essence, it is the mission of social work to promote social justice (Mugumbate & Chereni, 2019).…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Van Breda (2019), theory in social work serves two main purposes: making sense of the world (explanatory theory) and guiding social work practice (practice theory). Admittedly, little work has gone into developing the conceptual foundation of ubuntu in such a way that it begins to constitute a 'theory' for social work practice (Van Breda, 2019). However, it is not the goal of this article to establish definitive or 'correct' social work theory or practice.…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rather, the goal is to contribute towards the "creation of a more just world" (Shimei, Krumer-Nevo, Saar-Heiman, Russo-Carmel, Mirmovitch & Zaitoun-Aricha, 2016). As an ontological orientation, the notion of ubuntu calls for the elimination of division and othering and to champion unity across diversity, including social distancing (Van Breda, 2019).…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Van Breda (2012:181) explains: "We insiders are viewed as good and virtuous, while those outsiders are bad and evil … They are less than us… less than human, and less than worthy." The notion of ubuntu embraces connection and compassion over selfishness; it recognises the full humanity of every person, not only those who are like us or part of our in-group (Van Breda, 2019).…”

Section: Theme 2: the Experience Of Stigma And Discrimination By Homeless Peoplementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Community work is aligned with the principles of ubuntu in that it is focused on the values of cooperation and collaboration (Mugumbate & Nyanguru, 2013). However, ubuntu in the person-in-environment (PIE) perspective in social work goes beyond the individual and focuses on relationships between people (Van Breda, 2019). As is commonly said in many African cultures and communities, "It takes a village to raise a child" (Mugumbate & Chereni, 2019:28) and therefore "your neighbour's child is your own [child]" (Mugumbate & Nyanguru, 2013:86).…”

Section: Recommendations For Social Work Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

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Social Exclusion and Marginalisation of Homeless People: A Clarion Social Work Call for the Spirit of Ubuntu to Reign

Mahlangu¹,

Kgadima

2021

SWORK

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Social work is committed to the advancement of human rights and social justice. One strategy for promoting social justice is to inculcate a human rights-based approach to social work practice. Using ubuntu as a theorical framework, this article initially explores social exclusion and the accompanying stigma that homeless people experience; it then examines how social workers could apply the principles of ubuntu to re-inscribe homeless people’s human rights. A qualitative study was undertaken with 14 participants who were purposively selected and also identified through snowball sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability were judiciously adhered to in the research process. The findings indicate that homeless people are the most marginalised population of the community and they are exploited in a variety of ways.

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Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theme 2: the Experience Of Stigma And Discrimination By Homeless Peoplementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Recommendations For Social Work Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations