Spirituality and Hope in Social Work for Social Justice

Abstract

This paper is based on the idea that spirituality opens the door to integrity and genuineness in social workers' relationships and ways of working with people. Spirituality can be understood in a variety of ways, secular and religious. In both spheres, we consider that spiritual awareness strengthens the connections between social work and social justice, providing hope and a sustainable approach to work. Spirituality supports all aspects of human development and deepens the therapeutic effect of professional helping. The literature indicates that spirituality assists with issues in mental health, daily living, coping with uncertainty and developing and maintaining hopefulness. Spirituality's capacity to transform, heal and integrate is in part explained by transpersonal theory. It suggests that personal development can go beyond fulfillment of ego-based identity needs and strengths. Individuals can experience states of consciousness where one's intuition, creativity and sense of wholeness can be broadened to include a strong connection and unity with the outside world. Consciousness can be transformed to an awareness of oneness and inseparability with the material world. In Social Work practice these developments reduce separation and alienation thereby improving well-being that has been harmed by marginalisation and isolation (Nash & Stewart, 2002; Stewart, 1999).

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