Shifting the Ground in Nepali Social Work

Abstract

Nepali social work has Western liberal roots and traditions that impose cultural imperialism, professional sectarianism, and political colonization. There is a mismatch between what is taught in social work education programs in Nepal and Nepali culture. Further, this borrowed social work concept is out of step with the structural problems that Nepali people face on a daily basis, such as casteism, ethnocentrism, poverty, and exclusion. In this study, being inclined to critical pedagogy and decolonization discourse, I argue that Nepali social workers should emphasize and engage in decolonizing social work practice in Nepal. It must listen to the voice of the people at the grassroots and engage in ‘people-centred development’ to address structural problems perpetuating injustice and inequality in Nepal.