Social work is inherently an international subject. Each nation has a story of professionalization in the evolution of public welfare within its particular settings. A study of various (especially non-Western) cases is essential to an adequate understanding of the undertaking. China is undoubtedly an important case with the second largest population on earth. It’s unique in view of so-called Chinese characteristics/approach/model etc., sometimes fundamentally different from Western societies. It’s intriguing given the country’s history and recent rise to a global superpower with a claim of core values that seem to be rather considerable to social work as a helping profession. Yet, the nation’s rapid social transformation demands a reinterpretation of social work, particularly in relation to public policy and administration. Any lessons learned from the Chinese experiences would help with a better understanding of social work and public welfare on a global scale. This book is one of a series of projects led by the editor, a forerunner to China’s rebuilt professional social work, with a scholarly team from greater China and overseas who are experts in social work and related fields. Its primary audience are scholars and students in Social Work/Welfare/Services, Health and Mental Health, Children/Aging/Women/Family Studies, Public Administration, Social Policy, Community Organizations/Governance, International/Cross-Cultural Studies, and Chinese/China research.
