Showing papers in "International Social Work in 2017"
TL;DR: The authors argue that the common understanding of "cultural competence" from the so-called essentialist perspective is inadequate, and even risky, when working in an international context and suggest that a more constructive and reflective view of cultural competence be adopted in order to meet the challenges of international social work in the contemporary world, and to better equip ourselves as ethical and anti-oppressive practitioners and educators.
Abstract: Cultural competence is today a prominent concept and aspiration in all aspects of international social work. In this article, I argue that the common understanding of ‘cultural competence’ from the so-called essentialist perspective is inadequate, and even risky, when working in an international context. Drawing on examples, I suggest that a more constructive and reflective view of cultural competence be adopted in order to meet the challenges of international social work in the contemporary world, and to better equip ourselves as ethical and anti-oppressive practitioners and educators.
64 citations
TL;DR: Without an urban hukou, or registered residency status, migrant workers in China have experienced an urban-rural cultural divide as mentioned in this paper, and rural workers who migrate to urban areas are socially excluded from social networks.
Abstract: Without an urban hukou, or registered residency status, migrant workers in China have experienced an urban–rural cultural divide. Rural workers who migrate to urban areas are socially excluded from...
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors adopt a social constructionist and feminist approach to explore the interactional factors that influence the decision of sexual violence survivors to seek help and disclose their sexual violence.
Abstract: The study aims to adopt a social constructionist and feminist approach to explore the interactional factors that influence the decision of sexual violence survivors to seek help and disclose their ...
45 citations
TL;DR: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 resettled refugees from five countries who had received treatment for depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, or anxiety, and themes generated from the interviews emphasized the need for strong group-based social support as well as a focus on practical needs.
Abstract: Understanding the dynamics of mental health of recently resettled refugees is an essential component of any comprehensive resettlement program, yet establishing the components of a successful and acceptable mental health intervention is an elusive task. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 resettled refugees from five countries who had received treatment for depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, or anxiety. Themes generated from the interviews emphasized the need for strong group-based social support as well as a focus on practical needs such as acquiring and maintaining employment, language and literacy training, and access to care.
42 citations
TL;DR: This article used the Integrated Family Services Centres (IFSCs) as an example to illustrate the contractual relationship between the state and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the capacit...
Abstract: This article uses the Integrated Family Services Centres (IFSCs) as an example to illustrate the contractual relationship between the state and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the capacit...
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Hong Kong social workers always strive for an intricate balance between the competitive demands of different discourses of accountability, however, the neoliberal welfare regime, which privileges the ideologies of free market choice and managerial control, has synchronized the different discourse into a neoliberal discourse of accountability.
Abstract: Social workers always strive for an intricate balance between the competitive demands of different discourses of accountability. However, the neoliberal welfare regime, which privileges the ideologies of free market choice and managerial control, has synchronized the different discourses into a neoliberal discourse of accountability. Using Hong Kong as an example, this article examines how this discourse is put into practice and how it demoralizes the social work profession. To resist this discourse, social workers may need to work reflexively with their service users in and outside their workplace.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine aspects of globalisation and the relationships between health inequalities and social inequalities and the implications for social work practice, and suggest a number of suggested approaches towards a greater engagement in addressing health inequalities in social work practices, education and research.
Abstract: An important element of contemporary social work is the influence of international trends on the contexts of practice. In this article, we will critically examine aspects of globalisation and the relationships between health inequalities and social inequalities and the implications for social work practice. Giles called on social workers to develop a ‘health equality imagination’; however, the challenge for practitioners on a day-to-day basis is how to integrate such an imagination into their work. A number of suggested approaches towards a greater engagement in addressing health inequalities in social work practice, education and research are also presented.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, survey data from a longitudinal quasi-experimental trial in the public sector of reduced working hours, with a proportional proportional reduction in the number of working hours is presented.
Abstract: Stress has been reported among Swedish social workers for over a decade. Survey data from a longitudinal quasi-experimental trial in the public sector of reduced working hours, with a proportional ...
31 citations
TL;DR: This article used qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the adjustment challenges encountered by international graduate students during their study at US universities, and the protective factors most associated with successful adjustment.
Abstract: This study uses qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the adjustment challenges encountered by international graduate students during their study at US universities, and the protective factors most associated with successful adjustment. Nine students from China, Korea, and Taiwan, attending a Midwestern university, participated in the study. Language barriers and discrimination were the primary challenges reported; the factors most associated with successful adjustment were personal perception, social support, strong mentoring relationships, religious belief, and use of campus services. Implications for providing effective assistance for international graduate students are discussed.
30 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the mental health problems of Dutch young adult domestic adoptees relative to Dutch non-adopted peers and Dutch international adoptee and found small differences in favor of the non-addopted peers (N = 2021), while a minority of male domestic adoptes were at risk of anxiety/depression problems.
Abstract: We examined the mental health problems of Dutch young adult domestic adoptees (N = 75) relative to Dutch non-adopted peers and Dutch international adoptees. We found small differences in favor of the non-adopted peers (N = 2021), while a minority of male domestic adoptees were at risk of anxiety/depression problems. Domestic adoptees showed somewhat less problems behavior than international adoptees (N = 1331). Domestic and international adoptees differed in search status (non-searcher, searcher, reunited), although this could not explain any differences in mental health problems. Social workers and clinicians should support (male) adult adoptees in coping with possible feelings of anxiety and depression. Future studies should pay attention to gender differences in adoptees.
30 citations
TL;DR: This paper explored the impacts of a short-term international study program on Australian social work students' understanding of social justice and human rights issues, with particular emphasis on women's empowerment and sexual violence.
Abstract: This article explores the impacts of a short-term international study programme on Australian social work students’ understanding of social justice and human rights issues, with particular emphasis...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the relationship between personality characteristics and the development of resilience in the context of social work, combining the transverse and longitudinal approaches, investigated 479 students and professional social workers, and confirmed the influence and predictive ability of personality traits on the resilience of students and social workers.
Abstract: The goal of the study was to explore the relationship between personality characteristics and the development of resilience in the context of social work. To do this, combining the transverse and longitudinal approaches, we investigated 479 students and professional social workers. For students, the within-subject analysis shows that this group, while pursuing a university degree, are reaching greater openness, accountability, extraversion and kindness and, by contrast, are reducing their levels of neuroticism, which is the personality trait that acquires smaller presence on the professional stage. The regression results also confirmed the influence and predictive ability of personality traits on the resilience of students and social workers.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present research findings from a study on climate change, disasters, and sustainable development that provide insight into the diverse perspectives of community members on climate changes in six communities in the Interior and Northern regions of British Columbia, Western Canada.
Abstract: Climate change is having a very real impact, affecting not only ecosystems but also the socio-economic systems of small cities and rural communities. Globally, climate change is a consequential concern, since it is contributing to an increase in global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, raising sea levels, and natural hazards. Locally, the effects of climate change vary, depending upon the region, with communities experiencing the impacts of climate change differently and at various degrees. This article presents research findings from a study on climate change, disasters, and sustainable development that provide insight into the diverse perspectives of community members on climate change in six communities in the Interior and Northern regions of British Columbia, Western Canada. A common denominator between these six communities is how social development is being applied to address climate change. The concept of social development encompasses social and economic well-being. The social develop...
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was designed to construct a model based on the concept of psychological well-being, in order to verify the relationship between Taiwanese elderly volunteering and their psychological wellbeing.
Abstract: This study was designed to construct a model based on the concept of psychological well-being, in order to verify the relationship between Taiwanese elderly volunteering and their psychological well-being. Research data were collected via a questionnaire administered to the target population of this study, senior residents of Pingtung County aged 65 or more. The data were then tested and verified by confirmative factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The overall model showed higher levels of psychological well-being for the elderly who participated in volunteer work than those who did not, which again confirmed the positive relation between volunteer work and psychological well-being.
TL;DR: Despite significant contributions from non-governmental organizations (NGOsman et al. as mentioned in this paper in socio-economic development in Bangladesh, the evidence in community development is little known and the findings of this...
Abstract: Despite significant contributions from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in socio-economic development in Bangladesh, the evidence in community development is little known. The findings of this...
TL;DR: In this article, a model of Australian social work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people is presented, which aims to build hope, agency and meaning for the social worker and the young person.
Abstract: This article presents a model of Australian social work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people which aims to build hope, agency and meaning for the social worker and the young person. Informed by Foucault’s understanding of resistance, the model encourages social workers to pay attention to little practices of freedom through the development of professional relationships which address counselling needs, practical advocacy and social change within complex socio-political, cultural and therapeutic contexts. A case vignette of ‘Ali’ applies the model in practice. The article concludes with an exploration of the model’s potential for international transferability.
TL;DR: The article sheds light on the meanings, events, processes and structures in the lives of migrant South Asian women respondents living in Hong Kong and identifies the implications for social work practice.
Abstract: The notion of ‘shame’ is increasingly being recognised as a tool with some explanatory power to help promote understandings about a range of social problems. Through an exploration of migrant South Asian women’s experiences of domestic violence and help-seeking practices, this article considers the relevance of the notion of shame as a unit of analysis to help contribute to the growing theoretical and empirical literature. The article sheds light on the meanings, events, processes and structures in the lives of migrant South Asian women respondents living in Hong Kong. Within the framework of the discussion on shame and intimate partner violence (IPV), the article also identifies the implications for social work practice.
TL;DR: In this article, the association between the various dimensions of religiosity and spirituality and the different aspects of quality of life in elderly Chilean people was analyzed, and the authors also evaluated the spec...
Abstract: This study analyses the association between the various dimensions of religiosity and spirituality and the different aspects of quality of life in elderly Chilean people. It also evaluates the spec...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors use a case study from two Pale Americans to show that healing from political violence is not solely an individual project, but a communal process involving reclaiming collective action, trust, and efficacy.
Abstract: Healing from political violence is not solely an individual project, but a communal process involving reclaiming collective action, trust, and efficacy. This article uses a case study from two Pale...
TL;DR: The study revealed that women with a diagnosis of cervical cancer experienced physical, psychosocial, and financial problems which resulted in affecting families, and recommended the provision of palliative care and other social supports.
Abstract: This study was conducted with 12 women and 3 health professionals and employed a qualitative method with case study design. Accordingly, data were gathered through in-depth interviews. Content anal...
TL;DR: In this article, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 11 child protection workers and 11 parents in southern Estonia, the findings of participants' experiences of an
Abstract: Drawing on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a sample of 11 child protection workers and 11 parents in southern Estonia, this article reports the findings of participants’ experiences of an
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on one such collaboration involving four Australian and four European schools of social work which struggled to develop elements of curriculum that could be used by all partners, and identifies issues that international collaborations need to take account of in the planning and implementing of shared curriculum.
Abstract: Increasing expectations that social work education incorporate international perspectives and prepare graduates to work in cross-national contexts is resulting in schools of social work in different countries collaborating in curriculum development. This article reports on one such collaboration involving four Australian and four European schools of social work which struggled to develop elements of curriculum that could be used by all partners, and identifies issues that international collaborations need to take account of in the planning and implementing of shared curriculum.
TL;DR: In Jordan, thousands of Syrian refugees have entered Jordan, which has led to a humanitarian crisis and compounded an already tenuous social and economic crisis in the country as discussed by the authors, and social workers at the WAQE3 com...
Abstract: Thousands of Syrian refugees have entered Jordan, which has led to a humanitarian crisis and compounded an already tenuous social and economic crisis in the country. Social workers at the WAQE3 com...
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted in the greater Houston area in the United States with 1840 Asian American participants where 413 (22.5%) were 55 years and older and 12.6 percent had depressive symptoms.
Abstract: A study was conducted in the greater Houston area in the United States with 1840 Asian American participants where 413 (22.5%) were 55 years and older and 12.6 percent had depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analysis found that the likelihood of being depressed was significantly increased among individuals with anxiety symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 769.36), at least a high school education (OR = 21.756), a greater number of generations living in the household (OR = 3.789), and chronic pain (OR = 2.604). Conversely, being married reduced the likelihood of being depressed by 89.5 percent (OR = .105). Implications focus on help-seeking behaviors of older Asian Americans in relation to their mental health needs.
TL;DR: Based on interviews with urban refugees, this article identified significant barriers to achieving livelihood security for urban refugees in sub-Saharan Africa, and identified the most important barriers to sustainable urban living.
Abstract: Urban South Africa is a major destination for refugees across sub-Saharan Africa. Based on interviews with urban refugees, this study identified significant barriers to achieving livelihood securit...
TL;DR: Data analysis of the responses of the faculty members found that participants’ attitudes were equally weak on the track of glocalization and international social work education, and a marked absence of sustained contact with social work professionals and scholars from other regions and societies of the world.
Abstract: This comparative descriptive study sought to determine the impact of glocalization on international social work education. Using quantitative methods, this study reports objective findings for a ra...
TL;DR: In this paper, the role that informal and formal social support play with psychological well-being as reflected in positive and negative emotions of injured terrorists in Israel, and the role of social support is examined.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the role that informal and formal social support play with psychological well-being as reflected in positive and negative emotions of injured terror survivors in Israel....
TL;DR: Although Canada is one of the top 10 trading nations in the global economy, homelessness continues to be a significant social problem as mentioned in this paper, and to understand this paradox, we examine academic debates on bes...
Abstract: Although Canada is one of the top 10 trading nations in the global economy, homelessness continues to be a significant social problem. To understand this paradox, we examine academic debates on bes...
TL;DR: The study explores the perspectives of asylum seekers from Darfur with regard to four stages of their journey: before leaving Sudan, their journey to Israel, living in Israel, and future plans.
Abstract: The study explores the perspectives of asylum seekers from Darfur with regard to four stages of their journey: before leaving Sudan, their journey to Israel, living in Israel, and future plans. Group interviews were conducted with male participants. During the first stage, themes included the urgent need to run for their life and the transition from family life to being alone. During the second stage, themes included experiencing extreme conditions and intense emotions. The third stage included experiencing positive and negative experiences. The fourth stage included keeping hope alive under uncertainty. Implications for social work practice are suggested.
TL;DR: In this article, theoretical dimensions to examine the intersection of disability and immigration are proposed, which bring together knowledge from critical disability studies and post-colonial theory, and examine the intersections between disability and migration.
Abstract: This article proposes theoretical dimensions to examine the intersection of disability and immigration. These dimensions bring together knowledge from critical disability studies and postcolonial t...