Publication Date
2013
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Social service-Thailand, Social service-United States, Cross-cultural counseling-Thailand, Collectivism, Individualism, Social workers-Training of-Thailand, Social workers-Training of-United States, International field placement, Cross-cultural social work, Collectivism and individualism
Abstract
This exploratory descriptive qualitative research study compared and contrasted Smith College School for Social Work (SSW) international field placement interns' experiences of social work in the United States and Thailand. The research compared and contrasted social work the interns' perspectives regarding social work practices they have experienced in the United States (U.S.) and in Thai culture, particularly with reference to the significance of how "Mai Pen Rai" -- there is nothing to be done-- related to social work micro and macro interventions in Thai culture. The interviews with western trained social work clinicians elicited observations of clinical and cultural similarities and differences in Thai and U.S. practices. Results showed differences in Thai and U.S. models of social work clinical services, views of how to effect social change, and clinical approaches for working with individuals, families, and groups. A valuable tactic was the use of a second, follow-up interview to elicit further information.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Black, Johanna C., ""Mai Pen Rai" = If nothing can be done, what is there to do? : cross-cultural perspectives on social work in Thailand and the United States" (2013). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/586
Comments
iii, 74 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, 2013. Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-65)