A Comparative Analysis of Social Work in Vietnam and Canada

Rebirth and Renewal

Authors

  • Douglas Durst
  • Thi Huong Lanh
  • Myrna Pitzel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v5i2.63

Abstract

Social work education is rapidly developing in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and it is facing new challenges as it blends the historical, political and cultural influences. This article reviews and compares the historical and recent developments of social work in Canada and Vietnam. Canadian social work developed in Euro-western culture and its values, whereas, Vietnam suffered under French colonialism, a 30 year war of independence and then economic depression. For many years, social work remained nebulous but in recent years, the country has seen a rebirth of social work. Field education is the link from theory to practice and is often where differences between the two countries become evident. The article concludes with a discussion on the professionalization of social work and its future contribution to the emerging “new” Vietnam.

Author Biographies

Douglas Durst

Professor
Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina
Canada
doug.durst@uregina.ca

Thi Huong Lanh

Social Work Practitioner
Regina
Canada

Myrna Pitzel

Field Coordinator
University of Regina
Canada

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Published

2010-10-01

How to Cite

Durst, D., Lanh, T. H., & Pitzel, M. (2010). A Comparative Analysis of Social Work in Vietnam and Canada: Rebirth and Renewal. Journal of Comparative Social Work, 5(2), 77–88. https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v5i2.63

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Articles