Embodied social work in Zimbabwe: the body as a sensory tool in frontline practice

Abstract

Social work practice in Zimbabwe, as in many Global South contexts, often unfolds in complex environments where verbal disclosure is limited, and formal indicators of harm are insufficient. While practitioners frequently rely on sensory cues and embodied intuition, these modes of knowing remain under-theorized and institutionally invisible. This study aimed to explore how social workers in Zimbabwe use their bodies as sensory tools in frontline practice and decision making. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researchers conducted in depth, semi-structured interviews with 11 purposively sampled social workers with a minimum of four years’ practice experience. Data were analyzed through iterative phases using MAXQDA software, thematic coding, and collaborative interpretation. Findings revealed that social workers engaged sensory tools—such as smell, silence, spatial awareness, and embodied intuition—to detect hidden risks, assess emotional atmospheres, and regulate relational presence. However, participants faced challenges in articulating or legitimizing these insights within standardized frameworks. The study concludes that embodiment is not a supplementary skill, but a critical professional resource requiring institutional recognition. Implications include revising training curricula to include embodied practice, developing sensory-informed assessment tools, and fostering reflective supervision models. Recognizing embodied knowledge can strengthen early intervention and ethical responsiveness in complex practice settings.