In years past, global or international discussions, if at all included in a text, were typically the last chapter, almost an “oh, by the way.” But in today’s world, a global perspective is foremost in our thinking. Every day the impact of global issues is felt by all people, from volatile oil prices that translate into roller-coaster gas prices to the war in the Mideast, which siphons off millions of dollars that otherwise could be spent on human service programs.
Today’s world is much smaller, and our neighborhood now extends to countries tens of thousands of miles away.
It is most appropriate to begin this volume with a chapter written by a remarkable individual, Jody Williams, who is the 1997 Nobel Peace Laureate. Spearheading an initiative
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Human security is “the fundamental linchpin upon which rests all security” and reduces conflict if people’s needs are met.
Robin Sakina Mama, PhD, is recognized for her international work, particularly with the promotion of social work in the United Nations. She brings to our attention the strong position that social workers have played and will continue to play on the global stage.
International social work is not new to the profession, whose early efforts started shortly after World War I. Recognizing the importance of globalization, Mama writes, “Social work is also well prepared to work on policy that leads to solidarity and peace building among nations, which will have a direct impact on global social policy.”
Joseph Kin Fun Kwok, PhD, provides a detailed discussion of social justice from an
Asian perspective. Kwok explores the dimensions of justice with a detailed discussion of
Asian policy and practice while noting particular challenges faced by human services. As does Mama, Kwok believes that social workers, based on their unique and diverse practice experiences, are in an excellent position to add their expertise in policy
Social workers are professionals who seek help for individuals and families. Workers team together to enhance society for a better world. In a journal, “There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life” (McGeady). Showing kindness is like lifting the world off society shoulder. In the past, the government provided workers with a higher income, but suddenly there has been sudden decline. Too many woman were involved in the profession, quote Maxwell, “This woman's work, this woman's world” (Maxwell). Women were more involved in gender-based occupation fields, and making the men more powerful which made them to earn more wages.
Abstract The roles of a social worker are many and although it may be seen to most as a simple profession, it is of great value. A social worker has to broaden his or her horizon to see things in a new perspective. One must be able to understand, empower and help individuals, families or groups to overcome some of lives most difficult obstacles. As a social worker you are supposed to be able to appreciate the perspectives of all parties involved.
seek to provide an understanding of the roles of social workers and the social work
Gray, M., & Fook, J. (2004). The quest for a universal social work: Some issues and implications. Social Work Education, 23(5), 625-644.
According to the National Association of Social Work, “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession’s focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.”
This paper will explore the practice of international social work and some of the explanations of why it has come about, along with the consequences of internationalization for social workers, their profession and education.
The profession of social work has been in the health care field ultimately since the beginning of the health care system. However, throughout the years, the roles of the social worker and their prevalence have changed just as much as the system itself.
Social workers assist individuals, groups or communities restore or enhance social functioning through creating living conditions favorable to their goal or need. Social workers are trained professionals that help people overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges such as poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, physical illness, educational issues, mental illness, disability, unemployment, etc. They accomplish this through counseling individuals, families and communities; teaching them how to cope with the stresses of everyday life. From a political standpoint, social workers spend time and money on campaigns that elect public officials that are committed to social work values. Sound public policies enable social workers to meet human needs, be fairly compensated and promote social justice. Overall I perceive social work as a “take action” profession. Often times, we as human beings complain and talk about what needs to be done but do not do anything beyond that. Social workers are hands on. They are not just talking about what “should” be done but they are doing something to better our communities. Social workers are about making a difference in society by helping others out that are in need for various reasons. If you are very sick and in need of assistance to perform normal, everyday functions, social workers can assist
The role of social workers in international scene has become more significant as their competencies become just as in demand. The proliferation of local social problems has spread internationally while globalization continuously changes every aspect of human life. For this reason, North America social workers must be alarmed if their current expertise matches with the demand of international concerns.
Merryfield examines what is global and international education. She states that educators most work to promote cultural pluralism, interconnections, and international competition. This article is important because it discusses how global education should be presented in a content specific manner in order to maximize its
Having patience and understanding is necessary when one wants to obtain a career in the social work field. The current scenario that will be discussed is the Jena 6, which took place in Jena, Louisiana. Racism, segregation, and social injustice are just a few factors that play a role in reference to the Jena 6. This paper will analyze environmental influences, cultural aspects, and social relationships. For example, in reference to the cultural aspect the social worker must have the capacity to understand the difference between both cultures. Cultural values may not align, ethical dilemmas may occur, or even simple cultural difference can play a part. It is up to the social work field to remain adhesive to the social work code of ethics and influence the situation at hand for the betterment of the people.
The role of the social worker is not to change people, treat people, or help people cope, but to nourish, encourage, assist, and unleash the strengths within people. They
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national association of educational programs and individuals that confirms and improves the quality of social work education to become a professional job. CSWE puts in a countless amount of effort to strive for this mission by setting up a bachelor's and master’s degree programs in social work. On the other hand, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with approximately 132,000 members. To be more specific, NASW has a determination to intensify the maturity and developmental process of its members. The main goal is to retain professional standards and to create fair social policies. NASW progresses
“The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well being and help meet the basic human needs of all people with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.” (1)
and consciousness across world-time and world-space” (Steger). In other words, globalization applies to an arrangement of social procedures that seems to change our present social