2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
International Study on the Development of Indigenous Social Work Models
| Project/Area Number |
19K14002
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| Research Institution | Nagasaki International University |
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Principal Investigator |
VIRAG VIKTOR 長崎国際大学, 人間社会学部, 講師 (10804297)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | social work / theoretical models / historical development / indigenous knowledge / indigenous people / Ainu |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This research studies indigenous social work internationally. Indigenous people like the Ainu in Japan face various social problems. The purpose of the research is to examine and compare the historical and theoretical evolution of indigenous knowledge-based models of social work around the globe. To achieve the research objective, data collection focuses on two areas: (1) historical development of indigenous social work models, especially their introduction; and (2) theoretical development of indigenous social work models, especially indigenous knowledge-based theories. The main method for data collection is a cyclic dialogue between literature survey and field survey. Literature survey before field entry is concerned with already existing information.
Literature review is being carried out; however, field surveys are still not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While preparations were made for online surveys and an online symposium on the subject, online methods have been found not ideal for the research topic, since potential indigenous research subjects tend to be not comfortable with such technologies, so more preferrable in-person ways of interaction need to be considered when possible. Also, relationships are being nurtured with potential contact persons for a future survey through various international platforms. An especially important point of contact is the Indigenous Commission of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW). Such networks are to be utilized in the next phase of the study.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
4: Progress in research has been delayed.
Reason
The main reason for the delay is the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on international and domestic travel for field work purposes. International field surveys that were planned for 2020 and 2021 had to be rescheduled. Another reason the Principal Investigator’s transfer for Nagasaki International University to the Japan College of Social Work and moving from Sasebo to Tokyo. This makes collaboration with the Ainu community Tokyo possible for the research.
Online research methods were being considered as feasible alternatives if the global status of the pandemic does not improve with vaccination, however these faced unique challenges when working with indigenous populations, particularly aging members, including the issue of technology use and online interpretation. Therefore, while online alternatives, such as a symposium, are still being considered as a partial substitute to in-person exchanges with international researchers and stakeholders on the subject, there is a need for in-person interchange for actual community members in the future.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Future plans include working together with a team of international stakeholders, such as the IFSW Indigenous Commission, towards the organization of an online international symposium on the research topic. Since the Principal Investigator has moved to the Japan College of Social Work in Tokyo, venues for collaboration with domestic stakeholders, specifically key members of the metropolitan Ainu community, are being examined.
Depending on the state of less restrictive travel, field studies and interviews can target relevant agencies and key persons, as well as professionals to learn about models of indigenous social work and their historical development in Asian and European countries. When realized, the online symposium would focus on the same issues globally with country reports by national stakeholders, with the aim to identify cases of indigenous knowledge-based good practice.
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| Causes of Carryover |
The main reason is delay in research schedule due to international and domestic travel restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic that hinder field surveys and in-person interactions. Future usage consists of possible fieldwork and interviews, as well as an online international symposium. These include travel and interpretation cost, as well as honorarium for participants.
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