The (Necessary) Expansion of Social Work Knowloge

In: Soziale Arbeit: Zeitschrift für soziale und sozialverwandte Gebiete, Band 72, Heft 10, S. 352-358

Abstract

We focus on the role of journals in producing social work knowledge. We surveyed social work journals internationally, concluding that social work knowledge mostly is conceived of as universal, the inclusion of knowledges being based on an uncritical "big tent" (everyone is included) philosophy. This legitimized knowledge base overlooks alternative subjugated experiences, weakening social work. To avoid professional imperialism and coloniality, social work must expand its knowledge base to reflect diverse knowing.