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Social work in the making: The state and social work development in C hina
Author(s) -
Gao Jian Guo,
Yan Miu Chung
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of social welfare
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1468-2397
pISSN - 1369-6866
DOI - 10.1111/ijsw.12089
Subject(s) - mandate , government (linguistics) , work (physics) , social work , welfare state , state (computer science) , social welfare , politics , negotiation , sociology , public administration , political science , economics , economic growth , law , engineering , mechanical engineering , philosophy , linguistics , algorithm , computer science
The instrumental role of government in the development of social work in C hina has led to questions about its political function. So far, little has been reported on how the government has “made” social work in C hina. To fill this gap, we first provide a brief chronological review of major policies and activities of the C hinese government in its making of social work in C hina. The state's intervention has indeed been massive and crucial although, politically, it may limit the mandate of social work in C hina. Yet, we argue that the development of the social work profession in C hina is generating institutional space for the emerging civil society to take a more active role in welfare service delivery. Situated and mediating between the state and the emerging civil society, the social work profession in C hina will need to constantly negotiate its mandate to meet the needs of both sides.