Mmapoo ga a nyalwe, the challenges of tradition versus modernity from a social work perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-76
Author(s):  
Mokgale Makgopa ◽  
◽  
Mmaphuti Mamaleka
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Figurative Language ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
African Culture ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
The Social ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems

African culture and tradition are questioned and tested on whether they fit to be part of the changing world. This makes folklore an endangered species as most cultural beliefs and traditions are seen to be out-dated. The instruments used to measure these cultural beliefs and traditions are transformation and globalisation. Folklore, which is currently treated like an appendage to disciplines such as languages, indigenous knowledge systems and anthropology, is now targeted. The authors aim to demonstrate the synergy between folklore and social work in which the social work values and principles are applied and analysed in terms of the figurative language; mmapoo ga a nyalwe. The authors advocate for an interdisciplinary approach, hence the focus is on folklore, language and social work. The theoretical consideration for this article was system theory with its proposition that people are part of the system and their connectedness, wholeness and their feedback in the system is valuable.

scholarly journals Ecocolonialism and indigenous knowledge systems - comment

1994 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
G. B. K. Baines
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
The Social ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems ◽  
External Assistance ◽  
South Pacific Islands ◽  
Missed Opportunity

In the South Pacific islands it is unrealistic to approach biodiversity conservation without, at the same time, addressing the social and economic needs of those who have a customary association with the area concerned. Cox and Elmqvist (1993) have recognized this and pursued an innovative course of action for rainforest protection. Their disappointment at the loss of an opportunity for external assistance to Tafua villagers for rainforest conservation is understandable. It is important that the reasons for this missed opportunity be known and understood.

scholarly journals REALISATION OF ETHICS IN THE ACTIVITY OF A SOCIAL WORKER

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Irena Leliūgienė ◽  
Violeta Andrijevska ◽  
Angelė Kaušylienė
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Research Survey ◽  
The Social

The article presents the results of the research in the realisation of ethics in social work activities. Social work is a complex and multifaceted profession in which  practice is based on strong values. Social work values and ethical principles have been a particularly acute and debatable topic since ancient times.  It has always been noticed that social work practical activities raise ethical issues and dilemmas. Ethical problems and their solutions are basic problems in the development of social work as a profession. Due to these reasons, the main goal of this article was set: to reveal how ethics are implemented by social workers in practice. In order to achieve the goal, the following objectives were set: 1.  to explore the concept of ethics and values in social work context. 2.  to analyse how the social worker's ethical standards are being implemented in various fields of activity. 3.  to examine how ethics is realised in practice by the social workers of N District Municipality. In order to achieve the goal and tasks,  the concept of ethics and values in social work was discussed as well as the analysis of social work ethics  was implemented in various branches and spheres of activity. To reveal the topic, the research (survey) was carried out, which was attended by the N District Municipality social workers. Closed-ended questions were analysed by quantitative research methods and open-ended questions were processed by qualitative research methods. The results revealed that social workers of  N District Municipality knew the ethical standards of their profession and implemented them in all the mentioned aspects of ethical codes. Social workers identified five main reasons which cause violations of ethical standards in their practice: apathy of colleagues, heavy workload, lack of offices,  problematic clients and nervous tension at work.

scholarly journals Developing the relationship between reflective practice and social work values

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Graham Ixer
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
The Social ◽  
Work Education ◽  
The Relationship

There has been considerable literature published on reflection yet despite this, very little research on reflection and more importantly, understanding on what is reflection. This article looks at the context of reflection in the way it came into the social work education language and how it is now part of established training in both social work and other professions. Yet despite this we are still no further on in understanding the complex nature of reflection. However, in a small-scale research project the key characteristics of moral judgement were identified as essential to the process of reflection. The author looks at the relationship between reflective practice and social work values and concludes with key guidelines for the practice teacher and student. The concept of reflection and in particular, its application to practice, applies across health professions as well as social work.

Indigenous knowledge systems

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Odora-Hoppers
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Development Education ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
The Social ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems ◽  
Social And Economic Development

Chapter 15 describes the tensions that exist between Western scientific approaches and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. It illustrates the way in which traditional knowledge of, for example, herbal medicines, has a potentially very high economic value and describes how this can be developed in partnership between local and global interests. It also covers the author’s role as Professor of Development Education in creating a new interdisciplinary field of study, which strengthens the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the social and economic development of Africa and opens out new ways of seeing the world and acting to improve it.

Against social work values: their origins, nature and problems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Harris
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Welfare State ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Social Democratic ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
The Social ◽  
Work Education ◽  
Historical Origins ◽  
Over Time

‘Social work values’ are a feature of contemporary English social work and social work education that, over time, have become so established that they are now accepted with little questioning. This lack of reflection about social work values is probed, beginning with a historical excavation to reveal the background to their emergence from the social democratic welfare state, via critical and radical perspectives, and the process that led to their official embrace. After completing the historical excavation, the enduring influence of their historical origins is noted, their nature is interrogated and the problems they pose are explored.

Navigating the Social Jungle: Using Computer-Mediated Mentoring to Enhance Undergraduates' Professional Identity

2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Cascio ◽  
Janice Gasker
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
The Social ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Work Education

One of the greatest challenges to undergraduate social work education is helping students embrace social work values and develop professional identity. As undergraduates, students are at a developmental stage where the process of identity formation is crucial. This study explores the possibility of enhancing traditional teaching methods with computer-mediated mentoring. A section of graduate students in a second-year practice class mentored a section of undergraduates in a beginning practice class in a semester-long e-mail communication. Following the mentoring experience, the undergraduates demonstrated a measurably greater identification with social work values, marking a significant change in professional identity that was not matched by comparison groups. Those aspects of the mentoring experience that seemed most important to the undergraduates are reported and suggestions for replicating such a project are provided.

THE SOCIAL-LEGAL COUNSELLING BOARD : AN EXPERIMENT IN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH INVOLVING LAW, PSYCHIATRY, AND SOCIAL WORK

1959 ◽  
Vol 115 (11) ◽  
pp. 1021-1024
Author(s):  
JOHN DONNELLY ◽  
C. GORDON EDGREN ◽  
ROBERT SATTER ◽  
MARY P. RYAN
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
The Social

Ideological Themes in Family Policy

1995 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Hartman
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Family Policy ◽  
Family Relationship ◽  
The State ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Basic Assumptions ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family ◽  
Definition Of

In this exploration of family policy, the author identifies the basic assumptions that shape differing perspectives on such policies. Focus is on the definition of the family, the privileging of certain definitions, the state-family relationship, the valuing or devaluing of the family, and the tension between familism and individualism. The social worker's role in shaping family policy to reflect social work values is examined.

scholarly journals A note on ‘image’ methodology for social work qualitative research: Socially inclusive research methods for service users

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-127
Author(s):  
Sarah Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Power Imbalance ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Social Work Research ◽  
Social Work Values ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
The Social

Abstract: This note offers an analysis of the issues of the social contextual impact of research methodology. Here the author discusses the potential of using ‘image based’ data collection and analysis methods in social work research and in particular focuses on one possible method, ‘rich pictures’. Interest in the use of using image based methods is growing. The author considers the literature which underpins this approach, focussing on the challenges this might bring at all stages of the research process and offers a critique of the ethical and practical dilemmas involved. It will be suggested that such methods have the potential to shift the often criticised power imbalance in all research, including social work research. The author will discuss if this supplementary methodology might increase the ability of service users to participate in research. In this respect, it empathizes with service users who might prefer a non-verbal approach to research inquiry, with more of a range of responsiveness to researchers’ question. This note will argue for moving beyond only words in open-ended interviews by social workers to further explore the experiences of service users. As such its use may also be more in accord with the social work values of social justice.

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