Social Work Profession, Education, and Research: US-China and Asian Pacific Island Perspectives

This book brings together a group of active researchers and leading scholars of international social work with a special interest in contemporary issues and developments in Asian & Pacific Islander nations. The original works stem from peer-reviewed paper presentations and invited keynote speeches at the Asian & Pacific Islander Social Work Educators Association (APISWEA) International Conference, offering a comprehensive exploration of “state of the art” of Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Research and Practice. Along with a sister volume entitled Social Work Practice and Research with Diverse Populations: US-China and Asian Pacific Island Experiences, the manuscripts span diverse clusters, from professionalization and education in social work to emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence in practice, responses to COVID-19, and the integration of indigenous perspectives in social work. By zooming in on China and addressing critical themes such as localization, community development, and international collaboration, this rare collection provides valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners.

The book serves as an essential resource for social work professionals, educators, policymakers, and researchers who seek to understand and contribute to the evolving landscape of social work in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China. It is equally beneficial for those involved in shaping the future of social work education, practice, and policy, ensuring that the unique needs and perspectives of diverse communities are effectively addressed.

Qi Wu, Ph.D. (UNC-Chapel Hill), is Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, Arizona State University, USA.

Sheying Chen, Ph.D. & MSW (UCLA), Editor-in-Chief for the Springer Nature Series on International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration, and Practice, is Professor of Public Administration/Social & Health Policy and former Assoc. Provost for Academic Affairs at Pace University in New York, USA. A pioneer in rebuilding social work profession in China (1986-1989, SYSU-HKU), he is also the founding Director of Center for Social Work Study at Tsinghua University (2016-2019).