Shifting perspectives on international alliances in social work: Lessons from Ghana and Nicaragua

Abstract

A growing movement of social work educators and practitioners worldwide is involved in democratizing activities through cross-national alliances. Through reflection on two experiences of cross-national collaborations in Ghana and Nicaragua, this article identifies elements for effective international collaboration that encourage a shift in perspective.

Reciprocity in international student exchange: Challenges posed by neo-colonialism and the dominance of the Western voice

“…Kreitzer and Wilson (2010) argue that the universal standards adopted by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work are heavily influenced by Western social work discourses. The authors maintain that this is evidence that Western social work education continues to be the dominant paradigm in international social work education and practice.…”

“…It is difficult to hear and respect other knowledges when they are still marginalised and coming from a subordinated subject position. (2004, p. 535) The concept of reciprocity can be viewed as a way forward in developing more equitable relationships (Kreitzer & Wilson, 2010). It is possible that reciprocal arrangements between institutions in the North and South would enable many of the problems discussed in this section to be managed more effectively.…”

Social work in Africa: exploring culturally relevant education and practice in Ghana

“…The time has come for Africans to have partners and not masters. This calls for a relationship of solidarity (Kreitzer & Wilson, 2010).…”

“…These and other question should be part of social work education curriculum in this world of NGOs. Kreitzer & Wilson (2010) see the social work role as being part of a global solidarity movement, advocating for a fairer and just world for the millions who are not benefiting from neo-liberal policies. This begins SOCIAL WORK IN AFRICA 126 with educating oneself to these issues.…”

Globalization, power and resistance: Postcolonial and transnational feminist perspectives for social work practice

“…These calls can be understood as responses to the gaps in the current literature in international social work and to criticisms of international social work's approach to development (Jonsson, 2010;Kreitzer and Wilson, 2010) and human rights (Haug, 2005). A key component of these critiques of this dominant international social work perspective is the lack of attention to historic and current structural inequalities that impede global justice and to the privilege and power held by social workers from the global North.…”