A Casework Study of Emotional Support for Empty-nesters in Rural China An Example from an Underdeveloped Village in Hunan Province

Abstract

Population ageing poses an important challenge to China's social development and is a significant factor impeding social advancement. In recent years, the implementation of policies such as the rural Dibao project has improved the living conditions of rural empty-nesters. Due to the migration of many rural workers to urban areas, the traditional Chinese family model of old-age care has been weakened, resulting in a severe dearth of social support, particularly emotional support, for rural empty-nesters. Examining the emotional support of rural empty-nesters is essential for advancing rural old-age security, particularly geriatric social work. Based on the social support theory, this research employs the casework method in social work methodology, along with a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. After investigating the emotional support situation of empty-nesters in Village S, Hunan Province, three representative rural empty-nesters were chosen as casework recipients and in-depth interviews were conducted regarding the status of their emotional support, the problems they faced, and their emotional needs. All three recipients lacked emotional support to varying degrees, according to the findings. This paper examines how the casework approach in social work can effectively improve the emotional support system and enhance the quality of life of empty-nesters in rural China by providing them with targeted services.