Search results for ‘Subject term:"social workers"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Post-colonialist practice: an Australian social worker in rural Zambia
- Author:
- FOX Mim
- Journal article citation:
- International Social Work, 53(5), September 2010, pp.720-731.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Globalisation has seen an increase in social workers practicing in many and varied locations around the world. It is in this context that the need for post-colonialist practice becomes important, and social workers must be wary of simply reproducing colonialism. This article discusses the risks involved in a Western social worker practicing in a community they are not local to. A working example is provided of an Australian social worker travelling to rural Zambia with the aim of the development and implementation of grief and loss workshops for local community leaders. The principles of community development, adult education and community education theories informed the practice, allowing the social worker to contribute positively to the life of the community. In this environment the internal and external resources of the social worker are tested and utilised in the aim of joint partnership.
A comparative study of social work intervention in context in Zambia and England
- Author:
- MULEYA Wilson
- Journal article citation:
- International Social Work, 49(4), July 2006, pp.445-457.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study compared practitioners views on how work environments affected their choice of theory in social work context in Zambia and England. Practitioners working for statutory agencies in Zambia and England (Birmingham) participated. Stage one of the study involved analysing the literature on social work theory. Stage two sought data on practitioners' own reported process of choosing and applying theoretical knowledge to practice. The study found no significant differences in theories used, but found variations in levels of application. Different work environment factors influenced practitioners choice of intervention method in each country. In Zambia, culture has a significant influence on the choice and application of theory. In England, the legal and institutional settings play a significant role.