Exploring subjective experiences of international social workers in Asia: Content analysis of Japanese field reports

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the subjective and practical experiences of international social workers, focusing on the content, outcomes, impact, and related factors of their activities in Asia. Individual reports of social workers dispatched from Japan to 11 Asian countries during the period of 2003–2018 were collected (n = 59). A mixed quantitative and qualitative content analysis was used to examine their experiences and perceptions in the field. Parts of their reports were categorized mainly into the relationship between requested activities and perceived needs, the type of social work activities conducted, experiences of success and failure in activities, and perceived outcomes and impact of the activities. The quantitative analysis showed that approximately 48.9% of the social workers described positive outcomes of their activities and 43.9% described positive impacts of their activities on the placement or communities. The qualitative analysis revealed that they experienced a variety of difficulties, together with sociocultural and religious differences. Many of their experiences of success or failure appeared to be associated with their interactions with local stakeholders. The findings suggest the importance of the reflective and contextualized practice of international developmental social workers with local stakeholders.

Exploring how international social workers perceive culturally relevant practices: A case study of Japanese social workers’ experiences in other Asian countries

“…The findings of this pilot study have implications for debates on the ‘professionalism’ of international social work and indigenous social work. First, the findings include subjective experiences of international social workers at the grassroots‐level practices that may not be discussed well in the Asian context (Higashida, 2021b). The majority of the interviewees had a professional identity as a social worker but some also spoke of working together with local people having a social positionality as an ambassador of friendship ( Themes 2 and 3 ).…”

“…Explanations about the interview were given based on information sheets and a consent form. The interviews were conducted in Japanese, the mother tongue of all the interviewees, based on an interview guide that had been prepared through a pilot interview referencing the previous study (Higashida, 2021b). The duration of the interviews was approximately 60 to 90 min.…”

“…The findings of this pilot study have implications for debates on the 'professionalism' of international social work and indigenous social work. First, the findings include subjective experiences of international social workers at the grassroots-level practices that may not be discussed well in the Asian context (Higashida, 2021b).…”

“…A previous study examined the subjective experience of social workers among Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) dispatched to developing countries in Asia (Higashida, 2021b). The study analysed field reports of 59 social workers, many of whom had previous practical experience in Japan, dispatched by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).…”