Social work and social development in Nepal: Coloniality and a way out

Abstract In this article, we explore the epistemological and practical dimensions of coloniality within social work and social development in Nepal. The study addresses the foundational aspects of these fields, examining their relationship with local communities and cultures. While Nepal has never been formally colonized, persistent colonial continuums are argued to exist within social work and social development paradigms. By building on the theoretical framework of decolonial and Indigenous orientations, we critically address power dynamics and hegemonies in social work and development scholarship and practice. Empirically, our study builds on interviews with Nepali social workers in development agencies and social work institutions, employing data-driven content analysis. The findings illuminate (1) the manifestations of colonial forces in these fields, (2) the unique nuances of Nepali society, and (3) the contradictions between these aspects, portraying Nepali social work and development as colonial spaces. In addition to providing critical analysis, we propose a way out of the coloniality trap through the expertise of Nepali social workers, reflecting communal and cultural interlinkages. Ultimately, this article offers perspectives for reforming social work and social development realms, fostering pluriversal and decolonial onto-epistemologies not only in Nepal but also in broader contexts.