Social work in Southern and Eastern Asia

This chapter discusses the current status of the social work profession, education, practice and research, and suggest future prospects in Southern and Eastern Asia. Drawing on the secondary data, informal discussions with social work educators and practitioners, and the authors' experiences and observations, it examines professional development, educational models, practice patterns, and research efforts in social work in the region. In light of the specific geographic, socio-economic and demographic characteristics, the analysis suggests significant variations and gaps in social work within and between countries, and challenges and opportunities. In those countries of the region where professional social work exists, it needs to be strengthened and consolidated, and in those countries where it does not, national and international efforts need to be energized and well coordinated to establish social work education, practice and research on a stronger footing.