THE COMPLEXITY OF INDIGENIZATION OF CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE

Abstract

Indigenization of clinical social work knowledge and practice is inherently a cultural encounter that entails a complex and evolving process. Neither a universalistic nor a culture-specific position can fully capture the complexity of such a process. The discussion examines clinical social work practice knowledge and its implicit values as originated based on Eurocentric experiences and values. Such knowledge is used to compare with cultural values and practices of viewing, expressing, and resolving problems of living among Chinese populations in Hong Kong in the context of continuity and change. Social workers and educators of the receiving culture would have to reflexively examine the attitude of cultural encapsulation, develop cultural self-knowledge, move beyond dualism, develop contextualized understanding, recognize the complexity of such a process, and develop research and practice models that gear toward these dimensions in their quest for developing culturally appropriate and viable modes of treatment for clients and families.