Introduction
The development of professional social work in China and Russia has occurred much later compared to Western countries. This delay can be mainly attributed to the political ideologies and historical circumstances that shaped these countries during the 20th century. Both nations underwent communist revolutions that significantly influenced the structure of their societies and welfare systems. In these systems, formal social work was often viewed as unnecessary or inconsistent with the principles of state-controlled welfare.
Main Reason for Late Development: Political Ideology and State-Controlled Welfare
The primary reason for the delayed development of social work in China and Russia is their long-standing political ideologies centered around communism and the belief that the state alone should provide all social welfare services. Under these systems, the idea of professional social work as practiced in the West was considered irrelevant or even suspicious.
1. Communist Ideology
Both China and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) embraced Marxist-Leninist ideologies, which emphasized the role of the state in managing all aspects of life, including social welfare. The state was seen as the ultimate caretaker of the people, and there was little room for professions like social work that involved individual advocacy, casework, or community empowerment.
Social problems were seen as temporary issues that would disappear under socialism. Therefore, there was no perceived need for a separate profession to deal with social challenges.
2. Role of the State
In both countries, the state took on all responsibilities for housing, employment, healthcare, and education. Community organizations were state-run, and voluntary organizations were either discouraged or tightly controlled. This centralized approach left no space for independent or professional social work to emerge.
The absence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society also meant there were no platforms or institutions where social work could grow organically, as it had in many Western countries through religious and charitable institutions.
3. Lack of Academic and Professional Recognition
During most of the 20th century, social work was not recognized as an academic discipline in either country. Educational institutions did not offer degrees or training in social work. As a result, there was no professional body, no code of ethics, and no trained workforce to support the growth of the profession.
It was only after political reforms in the 1980s and 1990s that universities in both countries started introducing social work education programs.
Post-Reform Developments
Russia:
- After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia began transitioning to a market economy.
- Social problems like unemployment, poverty, and homelessness increased, creating the need for social work services.
- Universities introduced social work degrees, and professional associations were formed.
China:
- In the late 1980s and early 1990s, China introduced economic reforms and opened up to global ideas.
- Rural-to-urban migration, aging population, and inequality highlighted the need for professional intervention.
- Social work education programs started appearing in Chinese universities.
Conclusion
The main reason for the late development of social work in China and Russia lies in their historical political ideologies and the dominance of state-controlled welfare systems. These systems left little space for the growth of a profession that is based on individual rights, community engagement, and empowerment. However, in recent decades, both countries have made significant progress in developing social work education and professional practice in response to emerging social challenges. As these professions grow, they continue to adapt Western models to suit their unique cultural and political contexts.