Emancipatory Social Work Education and Community Empowerment

Abstract

In this article we discuss the links between emancipatory social work education and community empowerment. Based on Freirian-Gramscian-Althusserian theoretical analyses and praxis, we argue that the development of critical consciousness has the potential to contribute to radical and empowering social action. In doing so, we draw on the voices of students who have had the benefit of emancipatory social work education, and on our experiences in working in communities. Emancipatory social work education, rooted in critical and radical theories, highlights the iterative relationship between the personal and political dimensions of life, thus rendering the micro-macro dichotomy a false one. It thus brings into sharp focus the complex interrelationship between agency and structure. Emancipatory social work is directed at heightening awareness of external sources of oppression and/or privilege that hold the possibility of increasing self-esteem and courage to confront structural sources of marginalization, oppression and exclusion.

Establishing the relevance of the Ubuntu philosophy in social work practice: Inspired by the Ubuntu World Social Work Day, 2021 celebrations and the IFSW and IASSW’s (2014) Global Definition of Social Work

“…Social work has a commitment to stop discrimination and help call out racism and discrimination (O’Leary and Tsui, 2020). Emancipatory social work is thus directed at increasing awareness of external sources of oppression and/or privilege for the enhancement of self-esteem and the courage to confront structural sources of marginalization, oppression and exclusion (Sewpaul et al, 2015). Again, social work has a critical role in empowering and facilitating safety for women and children (O’Leary and Tsui, 2020).…”

Emancipatory Concepts for Newer Understanding – A View from the Periphery

“…The need for emancipation does not apply only to individuals, communities or nations oppressed. Appeals for emancipation concerning education practices, teaching methods, professional practices and research practices across diverse disciplines and curriculums have gotten raised [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

Importance of participatory narrative inquiry in sensitive research

“…Reflexivity, in the above perspective, builds confidence in individuals so that they are in a better position to understand issues that affect their lives and to learn to choose so as to build a future (Beck, 1992). In this vein, the role of researcher is to present both the opportunities for emancipation and the dangers of oppression (Ferguson, 2004) thereby allowing participants to make coherent choices for transformation (Sewpaul, Ntini, Mkhize, & Zandamela, 2015). Transformation happens when participants begin to speak and become privileged sources of information (Freire, 1970;Habermas, 1984;Rogers, 1980).…”