3 Units
Nowadays, Hong Kong is facing various social problems such as poverty, increasing number of elders, youth drug abuse etc. How the society responses to these problems arousing hot discussion and debate. The purpose of this course is to examine the major social problems in contemporary societies, with particular reference to the situation in Hong Kong. The course examines the role and functions of social welfare and social work in need-meeting and in tackling social problems, and special attention will be given to addressing the plights of vulnerable populations and promoting social justice. Students will be helped to understand the conditions giving rise to the unmet needs, examine various social welfare strategies and discuss how social work as a helping profession can address the social problems and welfare issues in the changing society.