Abstract for presentation at Global Social Work 2004

Dilemmas of International Social Work: The Indigenisation-imperialism-universalism Debate

  • Prof James Midgley, University of California, United States
  • Prof Edwell Kaseke, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
  • Dr Kalyani Mehta, National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • Prof Mel Gray, University of Newcastle, Australia
  • In the wider context of social work scholarship on globalization, the proposed symposium will explore current debates in international social work concerning global diffusion of the profession’s principles, vales and practice methods or approaches. Some criticise these activities on the grounds that they are imperialistic. Others advocate strongly for the indigenisation of social work. Yet others believe in social work’s universality. This symposium will provide a highly interactive opportunity for a panel of social work scholars who have written extensively on these issues to share their views with the audience in an attempt to promote greater understanding and mutual respect for divergent views on these critical questions.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd