International Journal of Social Welfare 

About: International Journal of Social Welfare is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Social work & Welfare. It has an ISSN identifier of 1369-6866. Over the lifetime, 1126 publications have been published receiving 24908 citations.

Rural migrant workers in urban China: living a marginalised life

Abstract: The rural migrant worker population in China is attracting more and more attention because of its magnitude and potential economic and social impact on Chinese society. While literature abounds in describing the demographic trends and economic impacts of rural to urban migration, very few articles have been written about the psychosocial impacts of migration on the lives of rural migrant workers in urban China. Drawing on the concept of marginalisation, this article describes the nature and characteristics of marginalised living experienced by migrant workers. More importantly, it examines the underlying policy issues contributing to such marginalised living. It is argued that the Hukou system (household registration system), the process of decentralisation and the obscure role of trade unions have contributed to the experience of marginalisation of rural migrant workers in urban cities in China. Implications for policy changes are also discussed.

Active ageing: A strategic policy solution to demographic ageing in the European Union

Abstract: Walker A, Maltby T. Active ageing: A strategic policy solution to demographic ageing in the European Union The ageing of European countries has widespread implications for current and future social and economic policies across the region. The major policy response to demographic ageing that has emerged over the past 10 years is called ‘active ageing’, yet there is little clarity in practice about what it means for individuals and society beyond a crude economic reduction in terms of working longer. The main purposes of this article are to explain why this strategy has emerged and its importance. Despite a great deal of positive political rhetoric, the response at all levels of policy making has been rather limited. An active social and public policy is required to mainstream active ageing as the leading paradigm for ageing policy across the European Union (EU). The designation of 2012 as the European Year of Active Ageing offers a potential focus for renewed policy action in the EU and is discussed in the context of our conclusions.

Popular support for institutionalised solidarity: a comparison between European welfare states

Abstract: In this article, we study the determinants of supportiveness for the welfare state as a system of institutionalised solidarity. We distinguish between two types of support; namely, 1) whether people hold the state responsible for achieving social-economic security and distributive justice, and 2) people's preference for the range of these goals that should be realised if the state is indeed held responsible. Using data from the Eurobarometer survey series, we investigate how, and to what extent, both kinds of support for the welfare state are related to position in the stratification structure, demographic characteristics, and social-political beliefs, as well as to features of European welfare state regimes. The results of a two-level hierarchical model suggest that moral commitment to the welfare state dominates at the individual level, whereas self-interest enters the picture mainly if a person is highly dependent on the provisions of the welfare state. Further, the findings give no support to the claim of a systematic variation between levels of popular support for the welfare state and its institutional set-up.

Dilemmas of international social work: paradoxical processes in indigenisation, universalism and imperialism

Abstract: This paper explores current paradoxical processes in international social work concerning the global diffusion of the social work profession’s principles, values and practice methods or approaches. Some criticise these activities on the grounds that they are imperialistic. Others advocate strongly for the indigenisation of social work. Yet others believe in social work’s universality. This paper attempts to stimulate debate on, and promote greater understanding of, and mutual respect for, divergent views on these critical questions. It puts forward the notion that culture is an important consideration that enables indigenisation, retains universals yet avoids imperialism. International social work is on the horns of a three-pronged dilemma. The dilemma arises from the paradoxical directions or contradictory processes surrounding indigenisation, universalism and imperialism in social work. Crosscultural dialogue and exchange is moulding and shaping new forms of social work (indigenisation) while social work is, at the same time, trying to hold onto some form of common identity (universalism). This is taking place at the same time as efforts toward internationalising social work raise the spectre of westernisation and imperialism. Put another way, indigenisation raises challenges for universalisation and the challenges are compounded by international efforts which can quickly become imperialistic depending on what is proposed as ‘universal’ in social work. In this paper, it is suggested that culture can play an important role in enabling indigenisation and retaining universals while avoiding imperialism. The dilemmas raised by Tsang and Yan (2001) in relation to the development of social work in China provide an example of the way in which

The East Asian welfare model

Abstract: This article aims to outline main features of the East Asian welfare model, to understand its past development and assess lessons that can be learned for other developing and developed countries. It describes the particular path of welfare state development in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, by focusing particularly on developmental and political aspects of welfare state development. In the final part of the study, particular features of the East Asian welfare model are outlined, and thus the existence of a distinct, ideal-typical welfare regime in East Asia substantiated.