SOC301 Official Handouts

Lesson 01 · INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK-I · (Topic 01-04) · Topic 01: Course Contents

Definition of Social Work History & Philosophy of Social Work Social Work in Pakistan Islamic values & Social Work Professional & Voluntary Social Work Principles of Social Work Role of a Social Worker Modern Concept of Social Work i. Preventive ii. Curative iii. Rehabilitative Social Work Methods: a) Primary Methods i. Social Case Work ii. Social Group Work iii. Community Organization b) Secondary methods i. Social Welfare Administration ii. Social Research iii. Social Action Social Work in Diverse Settings: Important Fields of Social Work Practice are: Medical Social Work School Social Work Youth Welfare Women Welfare Child Welfare Minorities Addicts Ageing Disables Social Work Theories Social Work Research Values and ethics in social work Different social work approaches to interventions Social work interventions in disaster situations Contemporary challenges for social workers Social Legislation

Topic 02: Learning Outcomes of the Course

Understand the history & philosophy of social work & theories that guide social work practice. Report on the ethical & practice standards that guide the profession of social work. Demonstrate awareness of various roles of social workers. Critically analyze the social structures and ecological contexts which influence people through marginalization, oppression and privilege. Develop an understanding of how social work promotes positive social change & assists people in managing their daily lives and experiences. Self-reflect on personal development in emotional, cognitive, behavioural & social domains. Describe the relationship between theoretical perspectives & practice approaches of social work methods with respect to the various social work fields. Develop a conceptual framework & practice paradigm that provides them with the knowledge, skills, values, principles to evaluate their own practice in the breadth of contexts, working with individuals & families, groups and communities. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in the spheres of research, practice & ethics of social work profession to help the people of diversity, including ethnicity culture, race, class, gender, sexuality, age and disability. Engage in policy making, advocacy strategies & social change that advance social & economic justice.

Topic 03: Definition of Social Work

Social work as a professional activity of helping individuals, groups or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favourable to the goal. (NASW, USA) Social work as a field within human services and a part of services of the government. It considers social work as an important service to the society focusing on the individuals and families in need (UNESCO, 2000). Social work as a practice based and academic discipline promotes change and social development. Accordingly, the principle of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect of diversities are vital in the field (IFSW). Social work as a practical profession designed at helping people address their problems and matching them with the resources, they need to lead healthy and productive lives (AASW). Social work as an Applied Social Science of helping people achieve an effective level of psychosocial functioning and effecting societal changes to enhance the well being of people (Cox & Pawar, 2006). Social work as a profession which is concerned about the person’s personal adjustment to his/her environment to enhance person’s social functioning(Mendoza, 2002). “The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work” (IASSW & IFSW, 2004).

Topic 04: Distinguishing Characteristics of Social Work

The relationship is the key in the social work process. Most social workers are employed in agency settings. Basic aim of social work is to help clients help themselves or to help a community to help itself. Traditionally, social workers have provided services to individuals and families. Focus is on the wholeness & totality of the person. Emphasis is on the importance of the family in moulding & influencing behaviour. Utilization of community resources in helping people to solve problems is very important. Use of the supervisory process provides for guidance & direction of inexperienced workers & for continuing growth of the experienced. Social work has a unique educational program involving class work and practical field work experience. Social work has distinctive professional bodies….. IFSW, IASSW, AASW. Orientation in psychiatric concepts Stress on understanding people. Social interactions & resultant social functioning & malfunctioning. Social problems & human behaviour inhere to a considerable degree in the social institutions of humanity.