The digital global economy is increasingly becoming the economy. The current pandemic has accelerated the digitization of the economy as offline economic activities are suspended, and 'going digital' is touted as a survival strategy for economic sectors worldwide. In this conceptual article, I argue that this emerging economy is (re)producing social inequalities. Social workers need to be knowledgeable about the digital global economy and engage in economic justice initiatives to actualize social justice. I employ an intersectional feminist lens to critique the digital global economy's state and delineate two areas that social workers can engage in.
Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a methodology increasingly used within the social sciences. CBPR is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of research methodologies, including participatory research, participatory action research, feminist participatory research, action research, and collaborative inquiry. At its core, they share five key attributes: (i) community as a unit of identity; (ii) an approach for the vulnerable and marginalized; (iii) collaboration and equal partnership throughout the entire research process; (iv) an emergent, flexible, and iterative process; and (v) the research process is geared toward social action. While there is no shortage of literature that highlights the benefits and potential of CBPR, relatively little discussion exists on the ethical issues associated with the methodology. In particular, current gaps within the literature include ethical guidance in (i) balancing community values, needs, and identity with those of the individual; (ii) negotiating power dynamics and relationships; (iii) working with stigmatized populations; (iv) negotiating conflicting ethical requirements and expectations from Institutional Review Boards (IRBs); and (v) facilitating social action emerging from the findings. For CBPR's commendable goals and potential to be realized, it is necessary to have a more fulsome discussion of the ethical issues encountered while implementing a CBPR study. Further, a lack of awareness and critical reflection on such ethical considerations may perpetuate the very same problems this methodology seeks to address, namely, inequality, oppression, and marginalization. The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review of the literature that identifies ethical issues that may arise from conducting CBPR studies, and the recommendations by researchers to mitigate such challenges.
Climate change research requires integrative and collaborative research from multiple disciplines because of its complexity and sizeable consequences. Eco-social work has an important role to play. Relatively new, scholarship on eco-social work is growing and identifying ways in which the discipline's unique values, theories, perspectives and practices can contribute to this body of research. The aim of this article is twofold: (a) to contribute to this emerging scholarship by identifying climate change adaptation as an area of research for international social work and (b) to examine the utility of applying an integrated theoretical lens of eco-social work and feminist gerontology within this area.
In this review, we critically examine existing literature on men and masculinities in Hong Kong, focusing on Hong Kong Chinese masculinity. We employ a five-stage scoping review methodological framework, and analyzed twenty-five relevant studies. We identified themes such as breadwinner masculinity, work, family, social respectability, and manifestations of soft masculinity. The findings highlight the importance of masculinity for men's well-being, and the need for further research. Specifically, age-specific studies, nuanced exploration of gender dynamics, and the interplay between family dynamics and masculinity. We also advocate for more focused examinations beyond the generic concept of "Chinese masculinity." Our findings inform future research, interventions, and initiatives addressing masculinities in Hong Kong and beyond.
Purpose: This article evaluates the Pickers' Link, a Hong Kong initiative enhancing older waste pickers' bio-psycho-social well-being, addressing research and practice gaps for precarious workers. Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, using qualitative analysis to assess program influences in 30 participants, and quantitative measures to evaluate changes in pain, cognition, and physical performance in 28 participants pre- and post-treatment. Results: The program's influence and mechanisms were captured in themes spanning social and digital engagement, health and mobility benefits, crucial outreach engagement and personalized support. The quantitative analysis revealed pain reduction and cognitive enhancements post-treatment, while improvements in grip strength and physical function did not meet clinical significance thresholds. Discussion: Practice for older informal and precarious workers should prioritize outreach, bio-psycho-social health, diverse interactions, and flexible programming. This study presents an innovative approach to evaluating community initiatives and underscores the value of interdisciplinary efforts in social work practice and research.
