Aloha and Ambiguity: Social Work with Children in Hawaii

Hawaii's children grow up in a rich and multifaceted environment which shapes their growth in unique ways. Strong influences from Japanese, Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean and Samoan cultures join with a variety of European ethnic groups to enrich the cultural climate of Hawaii. Intermarriage is common and cultural diversity the norm. A strong military presence and a transient tourist population both represent jobs for many residents and influence the philosophy and behavior of the people. A high cost of living forces most families to have at least two wage earners in order to survive. Social work in Hawaii must recognize the usual stresses which all families face as well as some that are unique to this island state. The need to see life through the eyes of another is one of the basic social work values which presents a real challenge for social workers with the children and families of Hawaii.