Negotiating challenges: social development in Asia
- Author:
- OW Rosaleen
- Journal article citation:
- Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 20(1), June 2010, pp.82-94.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This paper reflects on the concerns of social development and the contribution of social work in Asia as one of the many forces in social change and development. In Asia, the vision in professional social work is contributing to the goal of building communities and a better society for individual betterment. Within this vision, social development is perceived as part and parcel of professional social work in tune with the socio-cultural, economic, and political context of the society in which it is practiced. However, the linkages between local concerns in Asia and global concerns are inevitable. Some examples from Asian countries are used as illustrations, specifically looking at older people, poverty, children, and migrants. The conclusion is that social development involves more than government initiatives, social philanthropy, and professional social work. Social work’s involvement in social development also includes helping to galvanise the participation of beneficiaries of social development at the local level and to engage the political will of policymakers and the business community in the global platform.
- Subject terms:
- migrants, older people, poverty, social policy, social work, children, community development;
- Location(s):
- Asia
- ISSN print:
- 0218 5385