International Social Work· 2026Q1
Polycentric indigenisation of social work: The case in China
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- 2026year
Short summary
Chinese social work is developing an autonomous knowledge system deeply aligned with national strategies like rural revitalization, challenging Western dominance and pursuing 'polycentric indigenisation'.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Proposes 'polycentric indigenisation' to create a pluralistic global social work community, valuing diverse traditions as legitimate knowledge centers.
- Examines Chinese social work research, finding deep alignment with national strategies like rural revitalization.
- Identifies a trend towards an autonomous Chinese social work knowledge system.
- Suggests a potential risk of limited critical autonomy and global engagement due to a state-centric focus.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
The century-long quest for global social work identity is challenged by dominant Western standards. This article proposes polycentric indigenisation, treating diverse traditions as mutual, legitimate knowledge centres to achieve epistemic justice. Using content analysis of the China Association of Social Work Education conference handbook, this study examines research in the Chinese Mainland. Chinese social work aligns deeply with national strategies, such as rural revitalisation, pursuing an autonomous knowledge system. This state-centric focus, however, risks limiting critical autonomy and global engagement. The findings illuminate how polycentric indigenisation offers a pathway towards a pluralistic, reciprocal and highly inclusive global community of social work.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Social Work, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Public Administration
Public AdministrationSocial Sciences