Some psychological themes in social work education: A black perspective

In this brief article, I have argued that little of the current psychological literature on issues of importance to Black people has been approached from an articulated theory-based Black perspective. Traditional principles and theories in psychology have not had sufficient explanatory power to account for the behaviour of Black people. Black psychologists have, therefore, presented alternative perspectives of black child development, black families, black education, and personality development. However, most of the psychological research on black children and black families has concentrated on Afro-American families. It may be some time before such perspectives are developed and articulated in Britain but, in the meantime, some understanding of present research and theory is needed. It must be stressed that a Black perspective is not totally incompatible with Euro-American psychology. It is concerned with redefining existing psychological principles and concepts, and developing models that will reveal the strengths of black people.

The ability to practice in an anti-discriminatory way is a fundamental theme running through CCETSW's statement of requirements for qualification in social work (CCETSW, 1991a). It therefore follows that explanations of Black behaviour which are alternative to White perspectives need to be developed in social work education. Black behaviour must be understood in its appropriate historical, social, cultural, political, and economic contexts.