Gender and Social Work

This subject equips students with a critical gender perspective for social work practice. It introduces key concepts of gender, gender diversity, gender inequality, intersectionality, and feminist theories, with attention to how gender shapes lived experiences, power relations, access to resources, and service needs. Gender-related issues in social work and social welfare, including family, care work, mental health, violence, sexuality, poverty, ageing, and social inclusion, will be critically examined. Emphasis is placed on feminist, gender-sensitive, and anti-oppressive social work approaches that promote psychological well-being, strengthen social support and advanced social justice. Students will develop  knowledge and practice skills to assess gendered needs, engage with diverse service users, and design culturally responsive interventions in local context. The subject also encourages reflection on professional values and ethical responsibilities when working with women, men, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with diverse gender identities and expressions.

Disability and Society

This course provides students with in-depth understanding of disability regarding its multidimensionality, complexity and dynamics in human functioning, and to equip students with positive attitudes and skills to respond and work with people with disabilities, with an emphasis on promoting psychological well-being and strengthening social support. It examines the various definitions of disability, and provides a general orientation and examination of current issues, different models and approaches, contemporary social policies and service practice pertaining to people with disabilities and the social inclusion process.  Through this course, students will gain greater awareness and insights necessary to develop theoretical and critical thinking on issues of diverse populations in contemporary Hong Kong.