Appropriateness of Social Work Practice with Communities of African Origin

In attempting to move beyond racial divides, it is not enough to simply reduce issues of 'culture' to matters relative to or synonymous with 'fluidity' or 'hybridity'. There are deep structural aspects of culture that communities of African origin1 experience as fundamental to the living of their lives. The linking of structural aspects of culture to highly contentious notions of 'essentialism' does little to offer an explanation that encourages understanding, acceptance or inclusion. Further, it serves to undermine perceptions of helping which in themselves are fundamental to the success of healing processes - to which the profession of social work is so closely related.