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DECOLONIZING SOCIAL WORK: A Nordic Summer University Study Circle

We welcome abstract submissions and presentations on any topic on decolonizing social work done by Nordic-Baltic researchers or in the Nordic-Baltic context, while we encourage contributions related to the special theme: Decolonizing the welfare society. Explorations of this theme can include structural, societal, experiential, practice-oriented, and posthuman ponderings of the topic from diverse perspectives. We also encourage explorations of hidden histories that continue to influence the welfare society. Submit abstracts (max 500 words) via email to Dr. Kris Clarke kris.clarke@helsinki.fi by 1 June 2022

This study circle on decolonizing social work is an opportunity to participate in a caring, critical discussion of social justice issues and professional practice. Decolonization has become a buzzword in social science in recent years but as Tuck & Yang (2012) note, decolonization is not a metaphor: it is an act. As an applied profession grounded in science, public policy and community activism, social workers and community members are uniquely placed to examine how coloniality shapes the perspectives, practices, and policies of the field, especially in times of conflict, pandemic and neoliberal crisis. We are especially looking to discuss what decolonizing social work means in Nordic-Baltic welfare societies.

Join us at the Nordic Summer University in Oslo this 28 July-4 August! Some funding is available. Since 1950 the Nordic Summer University (NSU) has been an independent, academic institution, which organises symposia that draws international participants across disciplines in the Nordic and Baltic regions. We will have a symposium on decolonizing social work in conjunction with other circles. For information on costs and accommodation see: https://www.nsuweb.org

The symposium will be facilitated by Dr Helena Oikarinen-Jabai (PhD in Art Studies).