Mental health and mental well-being are the keys to a cohesive and harmonious society, and the social work profession plays a critical role in promoting a better society. In this issue, five groups of researchers contribute their insightful findings and shed light on strategies that can reduce stigma and poverty and promote social justice, specifically in the roles of social workers in the face of challenges in socio-economic challenges in China.
Gearing and colleagues conducted a study of stigma towards people with schizophrenia in China. They concern that perceptions and beliefs about mental illness can significantly affect the ability of individuals with a mental health diagnosis to access and engage in treatment and, ultimately, their overall functioning. In their study, 183 adults were recruited to participate in a survey that would assess their perceptions towards people with schizophrenia using standard instruments and experimental vignettes. Findings indicated that individuals with schizophrenia may not be accepted by others due to personal stigma and received poorly due to community stigma. Nonetheless, individuals with schizophrenia may be perceived as capable of recovery and experiencing positive future outcomes.
Tang, Li and Jang conducted a longitudinal study investigating the relationship between living alone and health among Chinese older adults, with an emphasis on the role of activity engagement. Data were retrieved from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011–2015), including a sample of 5,927 respondents aged 60 or older. Results showed that living alone was associated with better self-rated health over time relative to living with others. However, social interaction and leisure activity significantly mediated the effect of living alone, accounting for 9% of the total effect on self-rated health. Living alone has direct and indirect effects on self-rated health through activity engagement. Practice and policy efforts are needed to support older adults, especially those living alone, to remain socially engaged in their living environment.
The following two papers in this issue focus on the development of the social work profession in China. Wang and Kung studied the social work students’ professional socialisation in China and their experiences and challenges and investigated social work students’ experiences. The data were collected from student focus groups from six universities across social work bachelor’s and master’s programmes in China. Results showed that students’ professional development was hindered by limited pre-socialisation, insufficient content, and structure support in programme training, and anticipated unmet career expectations. Implications for social work education are discussed.
Chen and colleagues conducted a study investigating the features of Chinese social work forces’ involvement in rural anti-poverty. In response to the “Statement on Winning the Battle against Extreme Poverty” and a series of more intensive nationwide programmes targeting absolute poverty eradication launched by the Chinese government, social agents, including social workers, were called and united by the central government to be involved in the battle. Through document research and in-depth interviews, this qualitative research aims to explore the involvement of social workers in rural anti-poverty. Results found that Chinese social workers’ anti-poverty work had strong state-oriented characteristics, which were influenced by practical conditions, including embracing the administrative work method of designating staff to poor areas, pairing assistance, following up the social inclusion of the relocated population from inhospitable areas, and taking full advantage of the new farm tool, e-commerce.
In the last paper, Lai discussed the concept of social justice specifically applicable to social welfare policy. The theories of justice of Rawls, Sen and Sandel are critically discussed. He further discusses social justice as well-being with two lines of moral argument. In this context, the role of the social welfare system in providing equal opportunities for all people to meet their basic needs is emphasised. Social justice provides a normative framework for guiding policy practice and social workers should assist in the building of more just societies in Chinese societies.