The decolonial ‘thinking with’ and ethical-political práxis in Social Service

Abstract

This article discusses Social Service from the decolonial perspective of "thinking with" rather than "thinking about," emphasizing the importance of listening to and co-producing knowledge with the populations served and their orality. It is based on a qualitative analysis and literature review, articulating the author's experiences as a social worker researcher. The article highlights the need for horizontal and inclusive practices, recognizing people as protagonists of their own stories, lives, and daily lives. The results indicate that this approach favors the collective creation of strategies, therefore, more focused on the real needs of users, strengthening bonds and enhancing actions. It demonstrates "thinking with" not only as a methodology for professional work, but also as an ethical and critical stance, reaffirming the profession's commitment to human rights, emancipatory processes, the construction of a new societal order, and the radicalization of democracy.