The importance of Intercultural and Decolonial perspectives in a Westernized University : A case study of an interrelated social work setting in Colombia.

Abstract: This study investigates the perspective of ‘Trabajo social intercultural y decolonial’ or ‘Intercultural and decolonial social work’ demonstrated by social workers and scholars of the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia. A qualitative ethnographic and a methodologically plural approach are presented. The results shows that the intercultural and decolonial perspective could be of relevant pragmatic value for orienting future studies and opportunities for implementation in social policy programs. Empirical insights gained through this perspective can be used for improving the understanding of this specific domain and the practices of social work in Colombia and on an international arena.