The Need for a New Social Work Perspective in an African Setting: The Case of Social Casework in Zambia

Traditional social casework principles are discussed and how some of these principles are irrelevant forSocial casework practice in an African setting or culture because they assume concepts of individuality not applicable in a African society.

Abstract

SUMMARY This article discusses traditional social casework principles and how some of these principles are irrelevant for social casework practice in an African setting or culture. The principles on which social casework is based involve western concepts foreign to the cultures of most developing countries. They are therefore inappropriate for social work practice in an African setting because they are based on values (especially self-determination and confidentiality) which assume concepts of individuality not applicable in an African society, particularly in Zambia.