Pulling Together the Threads

Abstract

Dominant social work approaches are increasingly problematized. In many contexts mainstreamed social work practices and knowledges are inappropriate and eclipse alternative ways of knowing, being, and doing. Moreover, dominant approaches, promoted through professional imperialism, may be harmful, perpetuating colonial perspectives, ignoring structural conditions, underlining social control, and advancing decontextualized individualism. In order to become relevant to local populations, social work must build on traditional helping strategies and use contextualized worldviews/knowledge(s) to shift focus to parochial concerns. The authors explore alternative social work paradigms, paying attention to Indigenized, Indigenous, culturally authentic, local, developmental and decolonized models. The authors then conceptualize contextualized social work. This synthesized approach allows for the centering of Indigenous/local knowledge(s), an engagement with the impact of colonization and oppression, and responsiveness to local conditions. The authors consider specifically contextualized social work education, noting emergent literature regarding practice exists, but less so in the area of education. The distinguishing features of such education are highlighted, and policy supports identified. It is recommended that contextualized social work education be promoted to ensure future social work practitioners are able to work in a meaningful, relevant and respectful manner in all contexts.

A 40 year (contextualized) social work journey

“…As articulated by Schmid and Morgenshtern (2019), contextualized social work intentionally suggests that the demands of the context are primary, situates an understanding of power in the local and specifically resists professional imperialism. Hence, this critical social work approach aims to make visible the ways in which the exercise of power and governmentality—as managing the conduct of the citizenry through the disciplinary measures of normalization and moralization (Collier, 2009)—are context dependent.…”

“…The latter centers the individual and expects their adaptation to the systems around them—in contrast to a structural contextualized approach that understands context as acting on the individual, family, or community (Kondrat, 2002). Schmid and Morgenshtern (2019) further argue that contextualized social work is informed by an appreciation of the confluence of historical and contemporary oppressions in shaping local conditions and meaning and therefore addresses systemic issues. The community is seen as the primary, though not exclusive, point of intervention.…”

“…In this article, I unpack how I have come to understand contextualized social work as critically integrating the scholarly literature's alternatives to harmful dominant Western social work intervention. This troubles conventional notions of context through its attention to power (Schmid and Morgenshtern, 2019). I use a critical social work lens and autoethnography to inspect my journey, with the intention of further theorizing my emergent understanding of a critical understanding of context in social work and its relevance for present-day social work.…”

Social work education in Nigeria and the search for enhanced local relevance: perspectives from social work academics

“…The hegemony of Western models, theories and intervention strategies is being problematised in post-colonial discourses in African social work (Schmid and Morgenshtern, 2019). Western models have been criticised for their individualistic approach to social problems; limited effectiveness in conditions affecting a large number of people in Africa (Patel, 2015;Spitzer, Twikirize & Wairire, 2014); being curative and remedial (Chitereka, 2009;Mupedziswa, 2005); and for not paying attention to local knowledge and practices (Schmid & Morgenshtern, 2019;Olaore & Drolet, 2016). As such, Ose-Hwedie and Rankopo, (2008) and others conclude Western models and theories have limited efficacy for application in Africa.…”

“…Al-Makhamreh and Libal (2012) argue that a more local approach to social work is required and propose contextually relevant practice. Contextualised social work recognises locally situated practice; validates local; indigenous knowledge and wisdom; centres culturally-authentic responses; allows for interrelationships between humans and the (natural) environment; recognises the impact of colonial and oppressive forces; and facilitates a socially just and holistic response (Schmid & Morgenshtern, 2019). Social work education and practice must therefore be 'contextbound' (Ugaigbe, 2014), and go beyond cultural competence to recognise the links between individuals and their physical, social, spiritual, and political environments.…”