SOCIAL WORK

Introduction:

In order to understand the concept of social work one has to have the knowledge of human behavior, human needs, human problems, social environment, social adjustment, social and economic development.

Social work is a profession where a social worker helps to an individual, the groups or the community to puzzle out their problems. In the democratic Country the government is formed by the peoples, of the people and for the people. The government is responsible and accountable for the development of the community or individuals. Government is an organized community who works for the development of the society or individual. The question may arise if government is doing all the development works then why social work concept has come up with a rapid speed? The simple answer for the above question is - the society where we live has preoccupied many social problems like inequality, poverty, unemployment, rapid growth of Population and social injustice etc. Here the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. The government has been trying to eradicate the above mentioned problems but still now it has not been succeed 100 percent. To assist the mitigation of government failure the social work concept had been started. In the beginning this concept was deep rooted to only to charitable activities but later on it transformed to a professional. The professional social work originated in 19^th century in England during the time of industrial revolution.

Meaning of social work:

A social work is a profession where the social work is given more emphasized. It promotes the social change, development and empowerment of people and community. It respects to the diversity of the community/society and the central functions of social work are the community. It is a practical based profession and directly involves the development of the community.  The main objective of social work is to help an individual, families, groups, or the community to mitigate the conditions of those people in a community suffering from social deprivation. The social work also creates favorable circumstances to all the deprived peoples to join into the mainstream.

Definition of social work:

1. “Social work is a professional service, based on scientific knowledge   and skill in human relations, which assists individuals alone to in   group, to obtain social and personal satisfaction and independence.”     FRIEDLANDER (1955)
2.  “Social work as a profession which is concerned about the person’s     personal adjustment and she referred this as person’s social         functioning.” MENDOZA,(2002)

Evolution of social work:

Let’s discuss  how the social work had started  in U.K, U.S.A and India.

 Evolution of social work in UK:

The period of evolution of social work in UK can be classified into following part.

     

     Before 1200 AD

During these periods there was no concept of social work or social welfare activities were occurring. If there were some problems in the community or individual people believe that it was the curse of God.

1200-1500 AD

During these period large numbers of missionary’s schools, hospitals, social welfare agency came into existence. 

  1500-1600 AD

During these periods the church were nationalized and charity institutions were made for helping to the needy peoples. The real social work started but it was for the name of God. They believed servicing of neighbours is servicing of God. Bible says love your neighbours as yourself.

 1600-1800 AD 

During these periods queen Elizabeth I enacted a law. According to this law all the poor people should be provided the basic needs and facilities. she ordered no one will be deprived from the basic needs. 

  1800-1900 AD

During these periods many social scientists were came out and clarified the queries related to social work. The social scientists played a vital role for the development the concept of social work . Ex.-Adam smith theory published during these period. In the year 1883 factories and industries were prevailed. Under this act the minimum facilities should be provided to the industrial workers in the factory.

1900- on words

During these period special training were provided to the social worker. the social worker developed the skills and qualities for a professional social worker. The real professional social work came into exist and consequently the first school of social work started in the year 1910.

Evolution of social work in USA:

The period of evolution of social work in USA can be classified into following part: 

Before 1800 AD

During this period USA was ruled by British govt. and church was the main agency of social services. The church was accomplishing the social service exclusively based on church activities.  

1800-1900 AD

During these periods voluntary organization emerged but they were not sincere to their causes. By the end of the first century various charitable organizations emerged. This charitable organization raised fonds and distributed among different agencies and people. From 1800 to 1908 training programs were started for the members who were engaged in the social work activities. So, first School of social work was established at New York in 1998. It was established with the purpose of imparting training to the members engaged into the welfare services.

1900-1935 AD

The main events during this period was economic desperation. Huge numbers of people lost their jobs and many social crises were started. Appointment of trained social worker were required  for assisting in social relief, family counseling and case work performance. So then the professional social work concept was developed.

1935 AD on wards

From 1960 antipoverty programs were started in the urban and rural areas. People seeked the assistance of a professional social worker who can laisaing their problems with the government. The demands and needs of a social worker increased and boosted the concept of professional social work. 

History of social work in India:

From ancient time different religions have promoted social work in India. The poor, sick, old etc who was in need of help was assisted through community organization, charity and philanthropy. The states in ancient and medieval India developed rest houses dispensaries and temples to ensure food, medicines and shelter to the needy and the lodging facilities to travelers. During 19 century, many social reformers made major contribution in the development of social work in India.

The spirit of nationalism further gave boost to philanthropy. After independence, the constitution of India has also influenced the fields of social work by addressing problems of vulnerable sections of the society. Recent voluntary movement in India is another factor which has contributed in the development of social work. 

Skills of a social worker:

A social worker requires professional, emotional and cognitive skills.  It is very essential for a social worker to his/her long professional career. Because a social worker helps individuals, families, couple, groups, community, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, home health care and social services. There is no definitive list of what a professional social worker should have but here are few qualities or skills that a professional social worker should have.

1.          Active listening
2.          Emotional intelligence (EQ)
3.     Organization
4.           Critical thinking
5.          Tolerance
6.           Setting boundaries
7.      Empathy
8.           Communication
9.          Inner strength
10.          Information gathering
11.         Time management
12.          Advocacy
13.           Cooperation
14.           Persuasion
15.          Leadership
16.          Documentation
17.          Problem solving

N.B:- I will explain the above points in my next post and the URL link will be attached here.  

Principles of social work:

In below some of the social work principles has been inscribed, which every social worker should keep in mind while performing duties.

1. Developing professional relationship
2. Assessing and managing risk
3.  Acting with informed consent of service
4.  Providing information
5.  Sharing information appropriately
6.  Authority in accordance with human right principles
7.  Challenging the abuse of human right
8.  Being prepared to whistle below
9.  Maintaining confidentiality
10.  Maintaining clear and accurate records
11.  Striving for objectivity and self- awareness in profession practice 
12.  Professional supervision and peer support to reflect on and improve practice
13.  Responsibility for their own practice and continuing professional development
14.  Contributing to the continuous improvement of professional practice
15.  Packing responsibility for the professional development of others
16.  Raciliating and contributing to evaluation and research 

N.B:- I will explain the above points in my next post and the URL link will be attached here.  

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