Jonathan Parker

Sara Ashencaen Crabtree

Azlinda Azman

This edited collection explores contemporary developments in social and welfare policy in Islamic countries from an indigenous and academic perspective, rather than through the hegemonic lens of Western social policy frameworks. The importance of this book lies in the diversity of insights and case studies drawn from a wide range of societies in the Islamic world, demonstrating how local services are responding to changing needs under the impact of globalisation, socio-religio-political developments, and often significant levels of civil conflict. This is the thrid in the new series 'Critical Studies in Socio-cultural Diversity'.

Social Welfare and Civil Unrest in Muslim Societies

The Cup, the Gun and the Crescent

Malaysian psychiatric services and policy show some developments similar to those of the West-yet much of the rhetoric that has informed these changes internationally, such as the discourse of service-user empowerment, has yet to be fully embraced within Malaysia itself. The author argues that an important factor here is that psychiatric services in Malaysia retain many of the premises of colonial psychiatry, particularly in relation to attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatric patients. On the other hand, the geographical and cultural location of Malaysian health services introduces features unique to this region (such as the wide diversity of ethnic groups and the continuing popularity of traditional healing practices). Within this diversity exist belief systems and normative values that are not congruent with the colonial premises that continue to cast an influence over service delivery and associated professional attitudes in Malaysia. The author draws extensively on her own research on psychiatric care in Malaysia, in which the narratives of Malaysian service users and psychiatric staff are interwoven with historical accounts of asylum care in Britain and Europe. The similarities across regions and between the past and the present are thus made apparent. The importance of the book goes beyond its interpretation of the Malaysian context. It will interest to anyone seeking to understand other post-colonial societies (for example, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and India). Although there are differences in history and current developments in relation to attitudes, and the policy and practice of mental health among these countries, we should be aware of the common legacy of the past and its implications for the present and future of their mental health systems. The book will also provide important insights for professionals working in any healthcare system with a culturally diverse client base.

The Enduring Legacy of Colonial Psychiatric Care in Malaysia

Rainforest Asylum

Fatima Husain

Basia Spalek

Traditionally, equality and diversity issues have been addressed through the lens of race/ethnicity, and the faith identities of minority ethnic communities have been largely bypassed. But, particularly post 9/11, there is a need for policies and services that are sensitive to faith in general, and Islam in particular.Encouraging greater cultural competence, this unique book enables social work practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of how Islamic principles inform and influence the lives of Muslim populations and illustrates how this can be translated into professional practice. This is the only book specifically on social work with Muslim communities and describes the basic tenets of Islam and the daily practices and rituals of the faithful Muslim community. It contextualises the historical legacy of Islam, examining the disparity between universal Islamic precepts and traditional practices and focuses specifically on family welfare, health, Islamophobia and crime as primary issues for practice. The book includes case studies which help the reader explore and develop ideas for culturally congruent social work practice.This is a key text for all social workers interested in professional intervention with faith communities. As such, it is as equally relevant for social work students, as it is for experienced practitioners and educators.

Sara Ashencaen Crabtree

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