Asset-based and capacity-building in postdisaster Sichuan : community social work intervention in rural China

Abstract

Among the many natural disasters that hit China in recent years, the "5.12 Earthquake" which occurred on May 12th in 2008 in Sichuan has to be the one that provided social work to demonstrate its significant and forefront role in postdisaster relief and reconstruction. This research will document how social work, in employing and asset-based and capacity-building approach, through participatory action research, has been able to intervene and assist the affected communities in their postdisaster relief and reconstruction. More specifically, this study examines critically how a team of social workers has worked closely and jointly with the local community and its people, particularly women, to rebuild their homes and livelihoods through strengthening their capacity and options in economic and social development.