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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Social work and social development in Nepal: Coloniality and a way out
The British Journal of Social Work, Vol.55(3), pp.1215-1235
2025
Abstract
In this article, we explore the epistemological and practical dimensions of coloniality within social work and social development in Nepal. The study addresses the foundational aspects of these fields, examining their relationship with local communities and cultures. While Nepal has never been formally colonized, persistent colonial continuums are argued to exist within social work and social development paradigms. By building on the theoretical framework of decolonial and Indigenous orientations, we critically address power dynamics and hegemonies in social work and development scholarship and practice. Empirically, our study builds on interviews with Nepali social workers in development agencies and social work institutions, employing data-driven content analysis. The findings illuminate (1) the manifestations of colonial forces in these fields, (2) the unique nuances of Nepali society, and (3) the contradictions between these aspects, portraying Nepali social work and development as colonial spaces. In addition to providing critical analysis, we propose a way out of the coloniality trap through the expertise of Nepali social workers, reflecting communal and cultural interlinkages. Ultimately, this article offers perspectives for reforming social work and social development realms, fostering pluriversal and decolonial onto-epistemologies not only in Nepal but also in broader contexts.
Details
- Title
- Social work and social development in Nepal: Coloniality and a way out
- Authors
- Enni Mikkonen (Corresponding Author) - University of LaplandRaj Yadav - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Publication details
- The British Journal of Social Work, Vol.55(3), pp.1215-1235
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1093/bjsw/bcae184
- ISSN
- 1468-263X; 0045-3102
- Copyright note
- (c) The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
- Grant note
- This study has been funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation (Decision numbers: 00200735 and 00210728).
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991091096102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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