Social casework : an afrocentric perspective

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Of the three primary methods of intervention in social work - casework, group work andcommunity work - the focus of this study is on social casework. Every country structuresits own model of casework practice and this model is determined by the socialconditions and the diversity of ethnic groups and their specific cultures. For any socialwork intervention to be effective it must incorporate the cultural elements and nuancesthat influence the life of the people in a given country.In South Africa the implementation of the western paradigm of casework normally leavesout of account the dynamics of African culture. Consequently, current practice in socialcasework will have need to undergo a fundamental paradigm shift in order to addressthe needs of clients in a culturally sensitive way.The problem that this study will address, therefore, is the lack of sensitivity to Africanculture in the practice of social casework. Not surprisingly, research on theindigenization of casework in South Africa is meagre. This study attempts to contributeto the scientific inquiry about indigenizing casework theory and practice in South Africa.The aim of this study is to present an Afrocentric perspective on the method of socialcasework that will provide guidelines for practice in African communities in South Africa.To achieve this aim, four objectives are pursued: to describe casework within thecontext of the history of social work; to identify cultural elements that are essential topractice casework with African clients; to determine to what extent social caseworkersare culturally sensitive; and to investigate how far social caseworkers are equipped torender services to African clients.An exploratory study which is qualitative in nature was conducted. Thephenomenological research strategy was used where the researcher, through in-depthinterviews with respondents, developed insight into the experiences of social workerswith regard to their practice of casework with African clients. Semi-structured interviewswere conducted with ten respondents who were social workers employed either by thestate or by private welfare organizations in the Limpopo Province.The findings of the study are that social work training does not adequately preparesocial workers to practice casework effectively with African clients. Indeed, socialworkers practising casework are not always culturally competent. Guidelines to beconsidered when practising casework with African clients are presented, and ways aresuggested of how social workers can achieve cultural competence in service renderingto African clients. For social casework to succeed in South Africa, it is crucial thatcaseworkers acknowledge the existence of the African worldview, which is profoundlyinformed by African culture, and also incorporate the implications of this worldview intheir casework framework of practice with African clients.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University