Gandhianism in London: Bringing the past to bear on the present in discussion of the social work and spirituality of Muriel and Doris Lester

Abstract

This article considers Gandhian social work in relation to spirituality and as carried out by Muriel and Doris Lester, two British social workers from the first half of the 20th century. Following a brief literature review the article focuses on how examples from the lives of these women illustrate Gandhian ideas such as Satyāgraha and Swadesh. It emphasizes the spiritual elements in these ideas and their ongoing relevance. A biographical approach is used and contemporary resonances are drawn out. The article emphasizes the importance of narrative for developing contemporary understandings of social work and spirituality.