This paper discusses findings from a small-scale qualitative pilot study exploring the family structure of Emirati families in the United Arab Emirates. Here four Emirati families participating in the study discuss the effects of rapid social change across the generations and the perceived influence of these upon the roles and responsibilities of men and women in contemporary society in relation to child-rearing practices. Parental expectations for adult children in relation to marriage and careers are explored, focusing finally on the attitudes and perceptions towards ageing. Topics were considered in relation to how cultural, religious and social precepts govern and shape gender norms.
COVID-19 resulted in massive disruption and changes in every aspect of our lives. To curb the spread of the virus, many governments limited the movement of people or imposed full 'lockdowns'. This created significant challenges for social workers practising with people often reliant on interpersonal support such as those at risk of domestic abuse; with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Measures to reduce viral spread affected the education sector at all levels from preschool to higher education, disrupted traditional classroom pedagogy and shifted to technologically supported e-learning to minimise disruption to the students' education. In lockdown, online teaching has become the new norm. E-learning has its limitations for professional curricula such as social work. Like most countries, field practice represents a compulsory component of the social work curriculum in Malaysia which measures the capabilities or competency of students to enable them to become qualified social workers. When COVID-19 forced universities and agencies to halt field placements in Malaysia, the immediate challenge was to find alternative ways of assessing students. This paper aims to provide an overview of field education assessment in Malaysia during the pandemic and to pose questions for future assessment as Malaysian social work drives towards increased professional regulation.
This article represents our collective reflexivity in the process of applying an Indigenous methodology in a North–South, cross-cultural collaboration, funded through the British Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund. The projects’ aim was to bring together Bribri and Jakun leaders (from Costa Rica and Malaysia) for constructive dialogues about sustainable development. Specifically, we applied ulàpeitök (traditional form of Bribri collaboration and translates to lend [peitök] a hand), a concept of collaboration that honours family and community; we also used S-kṍpàkö, the Bribri word for conversation, a concept that translates to feeling the space around each other together. We analyse successes and challenges and elaborate on lessons learned including (a) how and why Indigenous collaboration and reciprocity should be understood before a project is planned or financed, (b) why western academic concepts of reciprocity (such as one-to-one exchanges) need to be decolonized to include Indigenous ways of relating to others, and (c) paying special attention to language in the co-writing of publications to avoid cultural misrepresentation. Our research can inform other North/South, Indigenous/non-Indigenous collaborations that aim to contribute to decolonizing research.
This paper considers some findings from an ethnographic study of psychiatric patients in hospital care in East Malaysia. The subject of treatment is considered with regard to professional attitudes towards patient 'compliance' and the demonstration of resistance by users within a multicultural context in which traditional healing continues to be a popular alternative to biomedicine. 'Resistance' here is used in its literal meaning, rather than as an abstract, theoretical construct. The narratives of Malaysian patients in relation to resisting treatment in this study form some direct comparisons with, for example, the quotes from service users on the topic of medication, 'control and coercion' in the UK. (Rogers, A., et al. (1993). Experiencing psychiatry: Users' views of services. London: MacMillan Press/MIND Publications.) Resistance to treatment then is interpreted by staff as the outcome of sickness behaviour, which frequently results in coercive strategies. The undisputed power of the medical profession in Malaysia has contributed to the lack of an evolved 'service-user' perspective in which few patient rights are recognised, especially non-treatment. These responses remain embedded in a paternalistic and custodial attitude that does not acknowledge issues of spirituality or alternative healing practices that are important to hospitalised patients. Modernisation of services have not led to a parallel development with regard to patient participation or in terms of appropriate cultural responses. It is concluded that until this takes place professionals will continue to ignore the personal meaning users attach to treatment resistance.
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