Gandhianism in London: Bringing the past to bear on the present in discussion of the social work and spirituality of Muriel and Doris Lester

Whiting, Russell (2013) Gandhianism in London: Bringing the past to bear on the present in discussion of the social work and spirituality of Muriel and Doris Lester. International Social Work, 56 (3). pp. 403-415. ISSN ISSN: 0020-8728

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Abstract

This article considers Gandhian social work in relation to spirituality and as carried out by Muriel and Doris Lester, two British social workers from the first half of the 20th century. Following a brief literature review the article focuses on how examples from the lives of these women illustrate Gandhian ideas such as Satyāgraha and Swadesh. It emphasizes the spiritual elements in these ideas and their ongoing relevance. A biographical approach is used and contemporary resonances are drawn out. The article emphasizes the importance of narrative for developing contemporary understandings of social work and spirituality.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Gandhian, materiality, Muriel Lester, Doris Lester pacifism, simplicity, social work, spirituality
Schools and Departments: School of Education and Social Work > Social Work and Social Care
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion. Mythology. Rationalism > BL0051 Philosophy of religion. Psychology of religion. Religion in relation to other subjects
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV0040 Social service. Social work. Charity organization and practice Including social case work, private and public relief, institutional care, rural social work, work relief
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Depositing User: Shaun Billing
Date Deposited: 02 May 2013 09:26
Last Modified: 01 Jul 2013 13:27
URI: http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/43333

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