Abstract
Māori social work practice has been developed upon a strong foundation of indigenous knowledge, theories and values. Theories can be used to validate social work practice and to build and enhance the engagement between workers and whānau. This article describes some Māori social work theories and how they have developed both within the social work world and that of neighbouring professions. A number of theories have been described by Māori social workers from across Aotearoa as the foundations for their social work practice. Theoretical discourse in the world of Māori social workers enables one to grow and develop their practice, leaning on ancestral knowledge and valuing the skills that are gained through understanding tikanga in a contemporary context. Through enhancing one’s knowledge of Te Ao Māori and evidence-based practice, social workers can use, develop and create Māori theories in a social work context for the benefit of Māori whānau and communities.
Highlights
Māori social workers use theories to understand social contexts and to be guided in their interactions as professionals with people in their environments
While there are many factors influencing and impeding indigenous methods in Aotearoa, Māori social workers who identify with the Māori world have established evidence-based practices and are guided by Māori theories
The key element that distinguishes Māori social work theories from others is that they are derived from Mātauranga Māori. They come from a particular worldview that is influenced by one’s experiences of being connected to a whānau, hapū and iwi, being indigenous in Aotearoa and having embedded in one’s ancestry, specific values and traditions belonging to that culture
Summary
Māori social workers use theories to understand social contexts and to be guided in their interactions as professionals with people in their environments. They come from a particular worldview that is influenced by one’s experiences of being connected to a whānau, hapū and iwi, being indigenous in Aotearoa and having embedded in one’s ancestry, specific values and traditions belonging to that culture. Āta has been described by Pōhatu (2005) as a key element of ngā take pū (principles) and is seen as a ‘behavioural and theoretical strategy’ for building and maintaining relationships This principle is relevant to the analysis of Māori social work practice and experiences as it helps to understand, ‘... Kaupapa Māori Theory has been developing over the last three decades and is widely used, theoretical approaches such as āta, te reo me ōna tikanga and Native theory have provided practitioners with specific tools and validation of their methods. The following methodology describes how I engaged with Māori social workers, with this literature behind me, to understand more fully which theories and models are informing their practice
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