|
Ubuntu and decolonising Biestek's (1957) seven principles of the casework relationship
Author: Samuel Lisenga Simbine, PhD, Chapter 4 from a new book
"The continued use of Eurocentric social work concepts is a misnomer that reminds Africa of her past subjugation by Europe. This has to be challenged as part of the ongoing decolonisation agenda".
"Biestek’s principles have proven to be popular in both social work education and social work practice. The seven principles were developed more than half a century ago based on European experiences, history, religion and culture. African educators who themselves learnt European social work literature, in turn, use European theories, models, principles and philosophies to teach social work. The continued use of Eurocentric social work concepts is a misnomer that reminds Africa of her past subjugation by Europe. This has to be challenged as part of the ongoing decolonisation agenda. Therefore, the author informed by the Ubuntu philosophy uses their social work experiences both as a practitioner and as an educator to decolonise Biestek’s seven principles. The author argues that the principles of self-determination, confidentiality, non-judgemental attitude, acceptance, controlled emotional involvement, individualisation and purposeful expression of feelings while widely used in African contexts, sometimes clash with the Afrocentric worldview. Informed by African thought (Ubuntu philosophy) and African culture, African scholars should thrive to develop new principles to guide social work practice in Africa. This would lead to the germination of an indigenised, Africanised and decolonised profession in Africa."
Book: Ubuntu Philosophy and Decolonising Social Work Fields of Practice in Africa. |
