An Intersection of Social Workers’ Practice in Community Resilience and Indigenous Support Systems in Kashmir

Abstract

This qualitative study delves into the intersection of social workers’ practice in fostering community resilience and integrating indigenous support systems in Kashmir. Employing purposeful sampling, the objective is to explore these practices deeply. The results unveil two main themes with their sub-themes: firstly, the role of social workers in enhancing community resilience, and secondly, the integration of indigenous support systems. The findings highlight the pivotal role of social workers in facilitating conflict resolution practices, organizing cultural festivals, and initiating holistic well-being initiatives within Kashmiri communities. These strategies emerge as fundamental components in nurturing a resilient and adaptable community amidst challenging circumstances. The study concludes by underscoring the significance of these practices not only in fostering resilience within Kashmiri communities but also in offering valuable insights for informing social work practices globally. It emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation, community cohesion, and effective resilience-building strategies, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on social work interventions in diverse cultural contexts.

Keywords:

• community resilience
• Kashmir
• practice
• social work

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all the participants for being a part of this study

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nasrullah Bhat

Nasrullah Bhat has completed his PhD in social work in the year 2021 at Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir Srinagar, India. His area of research focusses Social Work Education, Migration, and Psychosocial wellbeing. The author has worked with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a Master trainer in carrying out National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). The author has also worked with Tribal Research Institute J&k, India for carrying out the comprehensive qualitative study on Tribal Disabled Population. The author has published papers with the reputed journals like Taylor & Francis and Elsevier. The author has also contributed book chapters in various edited books. Email: [email protected]

Aamir Gul

Aamir Gul has completed his PhD in the year 2020 from Institute of Kashmiri Studies, University of Kashmir Srinagar, India. His area of research focusses Urban Poverty. The author has also contributed book chapters in various edited books. The author presently works as Block Programme Manager in National Rural Livelihood Mission in the Union Territory of J&K, Govt. of India. Email: [email protected]

Zahoor Ahmad Ganie

Zahoor Ahmad Ganie has done his MPhil degree in Social Work from the Department of Social Work. He presently serve as Assistant Professor in the Social Work discipline at Sopore Degree College, J&K India. Email: [email protected]