“If You’re Not Uncomfortable, You’re Not Listening”: White Saviorism in der Sozialen Arbeit

Abstract

The following article, which is based on the author's bachelor thesis, focuses on White Saviorism. The origin of this complex can be found in colonialism and racism. The paper shows that White Saviorism is visible in different areas, illustrated here in the area of social work. A further relevant topic is possible solutions for dealing with this issue. The focus lies on the confrontation with one’s privileges and suitable scope for action. This paper's findings prove the still existing effects of colonialism, which are made visible through White Saviorism, and underline the importance of decolonialization and the necessity to create opportunities for action. Therefore, it is the duty of social work and the Global North to reflect upon related privileges as well as to reveal and work against racism.

Keywords: White Saviorism, racism, colonialism, white privilege, critical whiteness studies