Ubuntu philosophy, values, and principles: An opportunity to do social work differently

Abstract

SummaryRising immigration and increasing cultural diversity globally highlight the need to decolonize social work and challenge the hegemony of Western-centric cultural and epistemological foundations. This article explores how Ubuntu philosophy can serve as a global decolonizing framework in social work education and practice. Using a reflective conceptual analysis process, we explored Ubuntu as an alternative paradigm for social work educators, researchers, practitioners, and students. Ubuntu's core values—relationality, collective responsibility, communal accountability, social justice, recognition, and reciprocity—offer a unique framework that sets it apart from other philosophies.FindingsWe propose embracing Ubuntu’s core principles to enrich social work knowledge, theories, and practice, decolonizing and addressing gaps left by Western approaches. We argue that integrating the core values of Ubuntu philosophy can significantly enhance social work practices.ApplicationsThis article contributes to ongoing discussions on decolonization and the importance of epistemological diversity in redefining social work and exploring new ways of practice.