Abstract: In the face of catastrophes and people suffering them, the idea of solving problem and satisfying the urgent needs of the refugees is often a matter of course haunting the social workers. However, it is frustrating that in recent years various problems derived from the natural catastrophes have not disappeared but spread rampantly. How can we learn from these catastrophes and catastrophe relief experience? This paper attempts to borrow Beck’s concept of risk society, reflect on the social workers’ catastrophe relief experiences during the accidents of 921 Earthquakes and 88 Flood in Taiwan, and discuss some thoughts of disaster social work practice inspired by Beck’s perspective of risk society.

Key words: Taiwan, disaster social work, risk society