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Social work and sustainable rural development: The practice of social economy in China

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  • Hok Bun Ku
  • Karita Kan

Abstract

The impact of globalisation on local agriculture and food systems has brought issues such as food security and rural sustainability to the forefront of policy‐making in developing countries. In China, the restructuring of domestic agriculture and liberalisation of trade following accession to the World Trade Organization have led to the growing reliance on imported food and raised concerns for food self‐sufficiency and safety. Inspired by the concept of social economy, social workers in China have explored alternative pathways towards sustainable food production and consumption through local initiatives. Based on participatory action research in a Chinese village, this study examines the potential contribution of social work intervention in responding to China’s agrarian challenges. It is shown that by linking rural cooperatives with the local food system and allowing farmers to sell directly to urban consumers at fairer prices, social economy initiatives provide a viable pathway for sustainable transformation by empowering rural producers while giving urban consumers access to sustainably produced food.

Suggested Citation

  • Hok Bun Ku & Karita Kan, 2020. "Social work and sustainable rural development: The practice of social economy in China," International Journal of Social Welfare, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(4), pages 346-355, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:injsow:v:29:y:2020:i:4:p:346-355
    DOI: 10.1111/ijsw.12422
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachel Murphy, 2014. "Study and School in the Lives of Children in Migrant Families: A View from Rural Jiangxi, China," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(1), pages 29-51, January.
    2. Zhenzhong Si & Theresa Schumilas & Steffanie Scott, 2015. "Characterizing alternative food networks in China," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 32(2), pages 299-313, June.
    3. Kuo S. Huang & Fred Gale, 2009. "Food demand in China: income, quality, and nutrient effects," China Agricultural Economic Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 1(4), pages 395-409, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Katherine S. Nelson & Tuan D. Nguyen & Jean R. Francois & Shreya Ojha, 2023. "Rural sustainability methods, drivers, and outcomes: A systematic review," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(3), pages 1226-1249, June.

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