Social Work: Meaning, History and Context from a Bhutanese Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide the readers with an overview of social work in Bhutan and explain how social work is guided by the timeless wisdom of compassion. Providing social service is Bhutanese society’s most profound intangible culture that influences the social relationships, the value of help and reciprocity, wellbeing and happiness in the society (Choden, 2003). In order to understand social work in Bhutan, people need to be clear at the outset on the in[1]fluence of religion which has been the foundation of the history and development of social work. Social work in Bhutan is guided by the timeless wisdom of help[1]ing others in the form of volunteerism. Volunteerism has always been at the heart of the Bhutanese cultural ethos and everyday life since time immemorial. These values continue to influence the practice of social work in Bhutan. The essence of social work in Bhutan is based on the ancient profound wisdom of compassion for all sentient beings. Therefore, action that one commits is driven by volunteerism and guided by the concept of karma.