A longitudinal study of intergenerational transmission of poverty in Hong Kong across the 2010s: Social investment, homeownership and mother’s education

2022 ◽  
pp. 002087282110657
Author(s):  
Wing Chung Ho ◽  
Paula Kwan ◽  
Lan Hu
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Intergenerational Transmission ◽  
Young Adulthood ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Social Investment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Career Trajectories ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mother's Educational Level

This study examines the extent to which poverty is passed from parents to children in Hong Kong based on the social investment thesis. Through tracking the educational and career trajectories of the second generation (aged 23–25) of 77 families, this study suggests that adolescents with poor parents have a 202 percent higher chance of being poor in young adulthood. This poverty-continuation probability increases dramatically to 681 percent if parental poverty is defined in terms of homeownership rather than income. Another important factor that also affects intergenerational poverty is the mother’s educational level. Implications for social workers and policy makers are discussed.

Disappointing poverty trends: is the social investment state to blame?

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 450-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Vandenbroucke ◽  
Koen Vleminckx
Keyword(s):  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Social Investment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Social ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Post Industrial ◽  
Industrial Societies ◽  
The Eu

Should we explain the disappointing outcomes of the Open Method of Co-ordination on Inclusion by methodological weaknesses or by substantive contradictions in the ‘social investment’ paradigm? To clarify the underlying concepts, we first revisit the original ‘Lisbon inspiration’ and then relate it to the idea of the ‘new welfare state’, as proposed in the literature on new risks in post-industrial societies. We then discuss two explanations for disappointing poverty trends, suggested by critical accounts of the ‘social investment state’: ‘resource competition’ and a ‘re-commodification’. We do not find these explanations convincing per se and conclude that the jury is still out on the ‘social investment state’. However, policy-makers cannot ignore the failure of employment policies to reduce the proportion of children and working-age adults living in jobless households in the EU, and they should not deny the reality of a ‘trilemma of activation’. Finally, we identify policy conditions that may facilitate the complementarity of social investment and social inclusion.

Job stress, perceived inequity and burnout among school social workers in Hong Kong

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony S.K. Tam ◽  
Lilian P.K. Mong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
School Social Workers ◽  
Identity Confusion ◽  
Stress Au Travail ◽  
Social Welfare Services ◽  
The Social ◽  
Milieu Scolaire

English Job stress and perceived inequity are revealed as correlates of burnout among school social workers in Hong Kong. The findings do not support the expectation that burnout is general, in spite of the government’s reforms in the social welfare services. A sense of personal accomplishment may serve as a mediator. However, the respondents suffer from role strain and identity confusion due to lack of communication among schools authorities, students and parents. French Cet article décrit comment la conjugaison du stress au travail et inéquités perçues sont liées au `burnout' chez les travailleurs sociaux en milieu scolaire à Hong Kong. Les résultats ne semblent pas confirmer la croyance que le `burnout' existe de façon généralisée malgré les changements observables introduits par le gouvernement en vue d'améliorer l'efficacité des coûts des services de bien-être social. Un sentiment d'accomplissement personnel sert possiblement de médiation efficace. Les répondants souffrent néanmoins de tensions face à leur rôle et de confusion identitaire dues à l'incompréhension du rôle du travailleur social scolaire par les autorités scolaires, les étudiants et les parents. Spanish Este trabajo describe el agotamiento en el trabajo y la percepción de inequidad como correlatos del descontento entre los trabajadores sociales de la escuela en Hong Kong. Los hallazgos no parecen apoyar la expectativa de que el descontento exista como patrón general a pesar de los cambios observables introducidos por el gobierno en los servicios de bienestar social. Un sentido de realización personal puede servir como ,mediador efectivo. Sin embargo los entre,vistados padecen una tensión de rol y confusión de identidad que proviene de la falta de comunicación entre autoridades de la escuela, los estudiantes y los padres de familia.

Working through Barriers: Shaping Social Workers’ Engagement in Policy Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1107-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani Nouman ◽  
Lia Levin ◽  
Einat Lavee
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Open Systems ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Modes Of Operation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Policy Arena

Abstract Although social workers’ engagement in policy-shaping processes to advance social justice reflects this obligation of the social work profession, many social workers avoid implementing policy practice (PP). Previous studies have identified several barriers limiting social workers’ use of this practice. However, how such barriers can be overcome remains under-studied. In this study, we address this lacuna by examining the role of social workers vis-à-vis their engagement in PP, through the theoretical framework of social psychology of organizations, and therein, through ideas concerning open systems and the formation of roles and praxes in organizations. Drawing on twenty-eight in-depth interviews and three focus groups, we demonstrate how social workers underwent a coping and transformation process that increased their engagement in PP. In certain situations, it was the expectations of colleagues and the challenges posed by them that impelled social workers to re-examine their approach to such engagement and enhance it. We show how social workers can overcome barriers and facilitate their involvement in the policy arena, as well as highlight policy-makers’ role in shaping social workers’ modes of operation.

Looking Back, Thinking Forward: How a Television Series Facilitated the Development of the Social Work Profession in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Kin Kwan ◽  
Oi Ngor Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Public Image ◽  
Television Series ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Work Practitioners ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract The healthy development of the social work profession rests on the public’s understanding and trust. The media play a significant role in shaping the public image of social work. This article describes a focus group study that was designed to retrace the long-term impact of an iconic television series in 1976 on the public’s reception of the nascent profession of social work amongst a group of social work practitioners. Four focus groups were conducted with thirty practicing and retired social workers. The content of the focus group discussions was coded and analysed to generate three major themes: (i) the television series gave a real-world articulation of the work of social workers and catalysed the profession’s public receptivity; (ii) it inspired a call amongst conscientious young people to join the profession; and (iii) it contributed to the construction of social workers’ professional identity. The findings demonstrate the contribution of this television series, hence the role of media, to the early development of professional social work in Hong Kong.

Social workers’ adaptation in times of pandemic crisis: A Hong Kong case

2021 ◽  
pp. 002087282110645
Author(s):  
Henry Wai Hang Ling ◽  
Michelle Shum ◽  
Chi Kin Kwan ◽  
Mingdie Xu
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behavior ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Planned Behavior ◽  
The Social ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
New Situation

Through the lens of the theory of planned behavior, this article explores how social workers adapt to a new situation due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three focus group sessions were conducted with 23 social workers from child and youth, family, and elderly services in Hong Kong. Three major themes were generated: (1) repositioning the social work profession, (2) renegotiating contracts with funders, and (3) exploring novel intervention methods. Implications of the findings are discussed. To ensure social workers can respond effectively in crises, an evolving nature of the profession is advocated to enshrine its spirit to serve.

scholarly journals Receptivity and Readiness for Cultural Competence Training Amongst the Social Workers in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent W P Lee ◽  
Daniel W L Lai ◽  
Yong-Xin Ruan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
The Social ◽  
Competence Training

Abstract This research examined understandings of cultural competence of social workers in Hong Kong, their needs and challenges in serving culturally diverse groups, and their willingness and receptivity to receive cultural competence training by using constructivist grounded theory. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with thirteen frontline and managerial practitioners and educators in training institutions in the social work profession. Data were analysed by identifying major themes. The findings show that social workers in Hong Kong tend to encounter language barriers and various forms of cultural shocks in serving ethnoculturally diverse clients. The professional code of practice is not sufficient in promoting culturally competent practice and there are institutional barriers to the enhancement of cultural competence of the social services. Mainstream social work units are generally not well prepared to provide services to non-Chinese communities. In response to these obstacles, professional training should provide future Hong Kong social workers with opportunities to interact with ethnoculturally diverse communities through service-learning. To tackle institutional racism, leaders should have cultural awareness and promote culturally inclusive practices. Inclusion of staff members from diverse cultural backgrounds would increase the capacity of the organisations to better serve clients of diverse needs. Anti-racism training should be made as an essential professional development component for social work students, practicum students, practitioners and managers.

Social Determinants of Health: How Environmental Factors Affect Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-67
Author(s):  
Jeannette Y. Wick
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Medical Team ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Team Members ◽  
The Social

Increasingly, public policy makers, professional organizations, and academics are discussing social determinants of health—the conditions in which people live, work, and age. The impetus for the discussion is a growing awareness that medication and any type of health care is a poor substitute for improving a patient's living conditions. Health care is a necessary but insufficient intervention when people develop chronic disease. Addressing the social determinants of health that include poverty, food insecurity, health literacy, neighborhoods, and the environment is essential if we are to improve an individual's overall health. This is the focus of population health, and to address social determinants of health adequately, the medical team needs to expand to give all team members overlapping duties. It also needs to include social workers and legal representatives. Pharmacists may wonder how the theories associated with social determinants of health can be incorporated into their practices. This article discusses a number of different approaches.

Social Workers as Policy Actors

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
IDIT WEISS-GAL ◽  
JOHN GAL
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Initial Finding ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Actors ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Close Analysis ◽  
The Social

AbstractThis article offers an empirical analysis of the role of social workers as policy actors in parliamentary committees. Based on an initial finding that social workers participated in 14 per cent of all the deliberations of parliamentary committees in the Israeli parliament, the article examines the actual inputs of these social workers in the committee discussions. In order to examine the inputs of social workers in these committees and to identify the links between organisational affiliation and committee type and the inputs, the study provides a close analysis of the recorded minutes of three parliamentary committees. It reveals that social workers tended to facilitate and enrich the social policy formulation process. However social workers, particularly those employed by not-for-profit organisations, also challenged policy makers and placed matters on the agendas of committees. The findings of the study show that social workers are policy actors who offer diverse inputs into a complex policy formulation process.

‘Social work is not just a job’: The qualities of social workers from the perspective of service users

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 775-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Kwong Kam
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
The Social ◽  
Personal Qualities ◽  
Work Education ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practice Skills

Summary The social work profession emphasises the development of the personal qualities of social workers in addition to requiring them to possess the necessary professional values, knowledge, theories and practice skills. Until now, we have tended to rely on the perspective of social work professional bodies, educators and employers to assess the personal qualities of social workers. We have seldom inquired about the views of service users on the qualities of social workers, thus disregarding their perspective. This article focuses on identifying the important qualities of social workers from the perspective of service users. Findings This paper reports on qualitative research on the personal qualities of social workers that service users value in Hong Kong. It draws on a diverse range of service users with direct experiences of the services provided by social workers. A total of 47 service users from 7 core social welfare service settings and 32 service units participated in an in-depth qualitative interview. Six significant personal qualities of social workers from the service users’ perspective are identified and discussed. Applications The findings have several implications for examining directions for development of the social work profession, the relationship between service users and social workers, effective ways to develop the personal qualities of students in social work education and ways to resolve the dilemma between service users’ expectations and the existing mode of social work service delivery. Issues of particular relevance to Hong Kong are highlighted in discussing these implications.

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