Using Narrative Approach to Capture the Life Experiences of Young Migrant Workers in China

Abstract

This paper mainly explores how to enrich the social work practice with young migrant workers via discussion of using narrative approach as an action research tool to capture the life experiences of young migrant workers, and to inform social work practice. It begins with the importance of action research, action research in China, and how narrative approach could become one of the key tools of action research with young migrant workers in China. Then it further discusses the nature and application of narrative approach using the first author’s experience of conducting a research project with young migrant workers in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Findings and limitation of the narrative approach to social work with young migrant workers are finally presented.