1) The main topic of the article is the importance of Indigenous research paradigms and gaining culturally sensitive knowledge for the purpose of social work. In order for Indigenous communities to thrive in modern society (instead of being pressured to conform to European standards), it is crucial that people respect their way of looking at the world. From a social work perspective, it is important to understand the culture which one aims to help. Using a European method of healing is not useful in the context of Indigenous social work and by learning about Indigenous worldviews, they can be able to help the Indigenous community.
2) The issue being discussed is that there is a need for Indigenous worldviews to be acknowledged as a valid …show more content…
Scholars often note that “Native Americans... do not have a coherent view of the world …and attribute it to their lack of critical thought” (Hart 2010:4). The Indigenous have a close relationship with the environment and maintain a collectivist culture. Similarly, third world countries share a collectivist experience where they value community and the world around them, rather than being focused on the economy and capitalism. Valuing the community is not beneficial if one wishes to survive in a first world country as individuals aim to serve their own interest. An important statement the author makes is that marginalization of Indigenous worldviews allows colonialism to occur and they are given the option to adapt to the Eurocentric views or remain in poverty (Hart 2010:4). Colonialism is still prevalent today with more hidden mechanisms and an important way to decolonize is for mainstream society to learn and respect Indigenous worldviews. The author also notes that even when Indigenous knowledge is beginning to be accepted, they are secondary to the dominant Eurocentric perspectives (Hart 2010:5). The next step to help the Indigenous community would be for knowledge to be valued equally and not one being lesser than
2) The issue being discussed is that there is a need for Indigenous worldviews to be acknowledged as a valid …show more content…
Scholars often note that “Native Americans... do not have a coherent view of the world …and attribute it to their lack of critical thought” (Hart 2010:4). The Indigenous have a close relationship with the environment and maintain a collectivist culture. Similarly, third world countries share a collectivist experience where they value community and the world around them, rather than being focused on the economy and capitalism. Valuing the community is not beneficial if one wishes to survive in a first world country as individuals aim to serve their own interest. An important statement the author makes is that marginalization of Indigenous worldviews allows colonialism to occur and they are given the option to adapt to the Eurocentric views or remain in poverty (Hart 2010:4). Colonialism is still prevalent today with more hidden mechanisms and an important way to decolonize is for mainstream society to learn and respect Indigenous worldviews. The author also notes that even when Indigenous knowledge is beginning to be accepted, they are secondary to the dominant Eurocentric perspectives (Hart 2010:5). The next step to help the Indigenous community would be for knowledge to be valued equally and not one being lesser than