This unit examines the history and context of local, national and international relationships between Western culture and Non-Western cultures. The unit focuses on social work practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities. Using the notion of Whiteness to critique and debunk current social work practice in Australia that perpetuates colonisation, assimilation and racism, the unit focuses on contemporary postcolonial theories and practice models.

The processes of critical reflection, mutual enquiry, group discussions, role plays and dialogical learning will consistently be used to explore the global and local political, social, cultural and personal contexts of Western social work practice in relation to diverse populations. Students are challenged to examine and reflect on self and the social work profession in relation to intercultural exchanges to develop decolonised ethical frameworks of practice.