Elaine Au’s research while affiliated with University of Windsor and other places

This exploratory study used a social work problem-solving model in group work with a sample of 120 nurses, involved in community caring. Qualitative data were collected on both the process and outcomes of these structured socio-educational groups and were content-analysed by two external raters. Main findings indicated that the practice model has utility for group work of this nature; that many nurses are focused on their individual problems; that developmental groups aiming at the achievement of the first three levels of the problem-solving model are recommended; that a unique set of issues interacting between work and family life were apparent for this sample; and that empowering individuals to work on their problems requires first raising their critical consciousness levels. Implications of the study are directed toward nurses, social workers, nursing supervisors and group workers.

This article provides front line social work practitioners with a mechanism for becoming more meaningfully involved in social and public policy analysis. It suggests that a new entry point for shaping policy formulation should occur earlier on in the problem identification stage of the rational policymaking process. The article offers a series of process questions to guide this approach and contends that practitioners have the necessary knowledge and skills to effect the various role expectations required of them in this regard.

The aim of this paper is to present and examine critically, perspectives regarding the impact of industrialization on Chinese marriage and family as presented by the mainland scholars and family workers at the Fourth National Conference on Chinese Marriage and Family in Market Economy, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China, 6–8 January 1994. The influence of Chinese culture and history on the interpretation of the impact of industrialization on marriage and family is discussed. Some analogies are drawn between the Chinese perspective on the impact of industrialization on marriage and the family and the perspectives developed in postindustrial Europe and North America.