An exposition of humanistic- existential social work in light of ubuntu philosophy: Towards theorizing ubuntu in social work practice

2020/12/24 by Robert K. Chigangaidze · 2 citations
Social Sciences · #African cultural and philosophical studies #Axiology #Dignity #Epistemology #Existentialism #Exposition (narrative) #Holism #Humanism #Law #Philosophy #Political science #Social Work Education and Practice #Social philosophy #Social relation #Social science #Sociology #Spirituality #Theological Perspectives and Practices

paper · doi:10.1080/15426432.2020.1859431

openalex publication_date 2020/12/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/19

Abstract

The article stimulates a discourse for theorizing ubuntu as part of a humanistic-existential approach in social work. The article expatiates on the ontologies and axiology of the humanistic-existential approach in light of ubuntu in an effort to theorize the latter through a comparative analysis of the two. Nine features of the humanistic-existential approach are explored: self-awareness, self-determination, human dignity, holism, the pursuit of social justice and human rights, motivation, social cohesion, spirituality, and death. The article calls for theorizing ubuntu philosophy in social work practice and education. It contradicts with other claims that deny ubuntu its place in the humanistic-existential approach.

Citations

• How social workers reflect in action and when and why they don’t: the possibilities and limits to reflective practice in social work
• Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being.
• The Historical Development of the Written Discourses onUbuntu
• What is African Communitarianism? Against Consensus as a regulative ideal
• Building bridges across knowledge systems: Ubuntu and participative research paradigms in Bantu communities

Cited by

• Defending the African philosophy of ubuntu and its place in clinical social work practice in mental health: The biopsychosocial and ecological systems perspectives
• Humanistic psychology [wikipedia]

Related

• Environmental social work through the African philosophy of Ubuntu: A conceptual analysis
• Defending the African philosophy of ubuntu and its place in clinical social work practice in mental health: The biopsychosocial and ecological systems perspectives
• Ubuntu and its potential impact on the international social work profession
• Reconsidering Ubuntu: On the educational potential of a particular ethic of care
• Understanding Ubuntu and its contribution to social work education in Africa and other regions of the world