County Domain:a New Space for the Construction of Chinese Social Work Theoretical Paradigm

The concept of “county-level regions” has been largely absent in the development of social work.This absence is evident not only in the lack of specific “fields” and “methods” dedicated to this context but also in the inadequate consideration of county-level regions as a crucial “environment” in analyses and academic discourse.This has led to insufficient development and discourse surrounding social work models and approaches that are most characteristic of China.This article proposes the “county social work” paradigm and explores its implications by discussing on methodological reforms,functional values,conceptual positioning,analytical dimensions,and practical orientations within this framework.It identifies three critical analytical categories: knowledge practice,relational practice,and governance practice.County social work,as a methodological approach,holds intrinsic local value.As a field of practice,it possesses ecological significance,offering a supplementary perspective and enriching the existing categorization of social work that typically divides the field by areas of focus,methods,and target populations.It represents a new direction in knowledge production that delves into both traditional and contemporary Chinese practices.To further refine its academic scope and theoretical framework,county social work requires continuous development in terms of its value ethics,practical principles,theoretical methodologies,and practical techniques.