News & Events

The 18.1 issue of the China Journal of Social Work is published online. This is a special issue titled “Professionalisation of social work in Asia”. It aims to explore the evolution of professionalisation of social work in Asia and discuss the dynamic interplay between global influences and local realities. It includes the examples in China, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand. We would like to share the abstracts of the articles. You may access the full version of the editorial by clicking the link. 

This special issue was edited by our editors, Prof. Crystal KWAN and Prof. Hok Bun KU from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The first article traces the historical development of social work education in Thailand, emphasising the interplay between indigenous charitable traditions and Western influences since the 1950s. The second study analyses the distinctive features of social work development in Kyrgyzstan, shaped by its historical and cultural heritage alongside international modelling. The third article advocates increased use of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of social work practice in China. The final article finds that professionally educated Chinese social workers, particularly those with higher degrees, exhibit paradoxically heightened turnover intentions.

Editorial

Professionalisation of social work in Asia: the push and pull of global and local influences

Crystal KWAN & Hok Bun KU

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2542611

Articles

A historical perspective on social work education in Thailand

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2459901

Written by Kritsada THEERAKOSONPHONG, Auschala CHALAYONNAVIN & Pred EVANS

Abstract: This article explores the historical context of social work education in Thailand, emphasising the interaction between modern Western welfare systems and the foundations of this relationship in the charitable approach of traditional Thai culture. This article utilises a historical perspective and various sources of documents. The United Nations agencies offered technical assistance by establishing a Social Work Training Institute programme at the National Institute of Culture in the 1950s. The government of Thailand thereby integrated social work into the national development agenda. Seven decades ago, the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University was founded as the first university-level institution in Thailand. Although Thailand’s religious and cultural context significantly influences social work education, it is crucial to understand its welfare regimes through a political and historical lens. This highlights the diversity of welfare regimes as opposed to a single universal framework for professional standards.

Keywords: Social work education in Thailand; historical context of social work education; Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University; history of social work; social work

Features of the development of social work in Kyrgyzstan: cultural and historical factors, current trends and key directions

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2513883

Written by Musaeva Nurgul KUSEYINOVNA, Shailoоbek Kyzy AISULUU & Tentigenova Asel IBIRAIMOVNA

Abstract: Social work in Kyrgyzstan is closely connected to the historical and cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people. At the same time, it is influenced by international approaches, which contribute to the formation of current trends and directions for development. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how historical and cultural background, as well as foreign experiences, have influenced social work in Kyrgyzstan. Understanding the cultural context is essential for integrating traditional values into modern models of social work and for adapting to new challenges. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, we reviewed scientific literature, government regulations, statistical data and other sources. The study reveals that social work in contemporary Kyrgyzstan is undergoing a process of institutionalisation, its status is being formed, and practical and theoretical bases are being enriched. This involves the integration of national cultural approaches with modern ones. The study also highlights areas where problems need to be addressed.

Keywords: Social work; historical and cultural context; trends in social work development; case management in social services; key population groups; home visiting; areas of social work

Using experimental research designs to evaluate social work practice in China

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2546871

Written by Bruce A. THYER

Abstract: There is increasing attention being given to the role of research in promoting the discipline and practice of social welfare in China. One particularly useful form of research consists of empirically evaluating the outcomes of social work services, programmes and policies. The purpose of this article is to advocate an expanded use of outcome evaluations that use true experimental research designs, studies where participants (individuals, families, schools, villages, hospitals or other naturally occurring groups) are randomly assigned to receive an intervention that is the focus of the study, or to another condition, such as treatment as usual, a placebo-intervention, delayed treatment, or in some cases to no treatment. After the intervention, differences in outcomes may be validly seen as caused by the treatment that participants received. This ability to make valid causal inferences can be a great strength of true experimental intervention designs, a feature not usually available using other methods.

Keywords: Evaluation; experimental; practice research; programme evaluation; randomised controlled trial; RCT

Impact of professional education on the turnover intentions of Chinese social workers

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2541419

Written by Tenglong WEN, Hao YAN & Fan WU

Abstract: The misalignment of social work graduates in employment and the high turnover rates have hindered the professionalisation of social work in China. This study involves a national sample of 4,558 Chinese social workers to explore how professional education influences turnover intention, with professional identity and job satisfaction as mediators. Findings reveal that social workers with professional education exhibit greater turnover intentions, particularly those with higher degrees. Professional identity and job satisfaction sequentially mediate the relation between professional education and turnover intention. These findings reveal a paradox in the development of China’s social work workforce: social work departments face greater difficulties in retaining talents nurtured through the education system, which seriously hinders the professionalisation process of social work in China. Managers should enhance social workers’ recognition and satisfaction with their work by strengthening continuing education and improving career advancement pathways.

Keywords: China; job satisfaction; professional education; professional identity; turnover intention

Book Reviews

Critical thinking for social work, 2nd ed.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2543476

Written by K. BROWN and L. RUTTER 

Book reviewers: Frederic Kornelius MARBUN & Isa Catya WIBOWO

Developing your communication skills in social work, 2nd ed.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2542445

Written by P. BEESLEY, M. WATTS, and S. HARLOW

Book reviewer: Xi WANG

Back matter

Word of Appreciation to Manuscript Reviewers

Written by Juan CHEN & Sibin WANG

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17525098.2025.2542911