5314.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 8:45 PM

Abstract #13642

Community Participation in Chinese Societies in Transition

Weng Hang Sin, School of Public Health, University of Hawaii, Po Box 12276, Honolulu, HI 96828, (808)947-3662, weng@hawaii.edu

Purpose: Volunteer health care services provided in Chinese societies shows a pattern of assistance based on affiliations with government and religious organizations. This study examines how the major voluntary organizations in Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan functioned during the Asian economic crisis and the period of unification of Hong Kong and Macao with Mainland China when significant population shifts occurred. An assessment of the patterns of Chinese voluntarism "kang-kai" in these transitional societies is made in contrast to more stable conditions in Taiwan. Methodology: Based on review of the literature on voluntarism, a small-scale survey was conducted in both Macao and Taiwan along with interviews of managers in non-governmental voluntary organizations. Findings: It shows that in general, there are similar and strong relationships with religion/culture and voluntarism in both countries. In Macao, a Portuguese colony for nearly 500 years until its return to PRC in December 1999, the Catholic voluntary agency, Caritas, was subsidized and served as the extension arm for the migrants and needy in border areas. The indigenous Kiang-Wu Chinese organization was more self-reliant and served local communities. In Taiwan, however, two trends were observed, (1) a government sponsored voluntary program associated with hospitals and (2) the major religious Tzu Chi organization. Conclusion: It is noted that with increasing affluence, voluntary services become less dependent and controlled. The study also reports on the characteristics and differences in volunteers in both countries.

Learning Objectives: To understand the current health care situation for disadvantaged groups in Chinese socieites

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA