Social work in Africa: exploring culturally relevant education and practice in Ghana

Preface

Introduction: Situating the Context

Prologue

I. Historical Context

A. Historical influences affecting social work education in Africa

1. Sub-Saharan African universities - Historical context

2. Sub-Saharan African universities - Current state

B. Institutions affecting social work education in Africa

1. International level

2. Continental level

3. National level

4. Summary

C. History of social work in Ghana

1. Introduction

2. Colonial period

3. Social work training in Ghana

D. Conclusion of chapter

II. Cultural Identity

A. African culture and identity

1. Understanding culture

2. Understanding identity

3. Understanding cultural identity

B. How Africa's history has influenced African cultural identity

C. African cultural identity today

D. African cultural identity and social work

1. Professional identity

2. Professional training

3. Professional practice

4. Culturally relevant social work practice

E. Conclusion of chapter

III. Hegemony of Western Knowledge

A. Imperialism and education

B. Hegemony of knowledge

C. Western knowledge and social work education

1. Ethics and values

D. Conclusion of chapter

IV. Neo-Liberal Policies

A. The rise of international financial institutions

B. Present economic issues in Africa

C. Consequences of neo-liberal policies

D. Social work and neo-liberal policies

E. Conclusion of chapter

IV. Development and Aid

A. History of development theories

1. Development through modernization

2. The effects of modernization theory on poor countries

B. Social work and development

1. The role of social welfare institutions

2. National development and social policy

3. NGOs and development

C. Conclusion of chapter

IV. Creating Culturally Relevant Education and Practice

A. Introduction

B. Recognizing the need for change

1. Rediscovery of history and culture

2. Critically evaluating present curricula

C. Using the Ghanaian context for a case study on curriculum change

D. The process of identifying culturally relevant curricula

E. Ghanaian research findings

1. Changes to the present curriculum

2. Developing new courses

3. Other issues arising from the research process

4. Outcomes of the research project

5. Dissemination of information

6. Conclusion of chapter

VII. The Future of Social Work in Africa

Appendix 1. Role-playing exercise examining pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Ghana

Appendix 2.

A. Cultural awareness

B. Neo-liberal agenda exercise

References

Notes

Index