Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to social work theory / Adrian van Breda -- Decoloniality in social work / Rinie Schenk -- Developmental social work / Antoinette Lombard -- Social constructionism / Rinie Schenk -- Ecosystems / Paul Mbedzi -- Ubuntu / Johannah Sekudu -- Resilience / Adrian van Breda -- Attachment / Johannah Sekudu-- Feminisms / Shahana Rasool -- Sustainable livelihoods / Antoinette Lombard -- Person-centred / Paul Mbedzi -- Spirituality / Glynnis Dykes and Shernaaz Carelse -- Strengths-based / Adrian van Breda -- Circle of courage / Glynnis Dykes -- Mapping the way forward in decolonising social work theory in South Africa / Johannah Sekudu.

The choice of theories included in this book is informed by the lived experiences of South Africans in a multi-cultural, post-colonial, post-apartheid society. The book sees the goal of social work as effecting transformation and liberation, through the implementation of the developmental approach, and by drawing on decolonial and African concepts. It supports social workers in working toward this goal by stimulating critical reflection and disrupting taken-for-granted beliefs and practices. It guides readers to work with client groups across the micro-mezzo continuum in such a way that they are empowered to develop agency, thereby affirming the basic values of social justice and human dignity.