The Main Influences Of Social Work

Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the point where people interact with their environment. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work’. Social work origins arise from the effects of a change to an industrial sociality and increasing impact and focus upon poverty. However it is argued that current social work practice, as illustrated by the broad definition of social work by the IFSW, finds itself expected to address wider social issues such as racism, sexism, and discrimination relating to physical or mental ability. Furthermore social work itself has changed from its origins of a charity style response to social problems of poverty. Banks (1995, p1) argues that the changes to social work have introduced different roles for different purposes of ’redistribution of resources to those in need... social control and rehabilitation of the deviant’ Banks further argues that as social work changes, the emphasis is less upon a helping relationship and more on the distribution of resources and on social control.

According to (Dulmus & Sowers, 2012, p.106), the history of social work is one of an old religiously grounded ethos of offering, aid and comfort. This shows that social work has been around for quite a long time, helping the unfortunate and it has developed more throughout these past centuries. The profession was largely shaped by Westerns idea and events. (Chenoweth &McAuliffe, 2015, p.32). The ideas and events included could have been war, poverty and other social reforms. That is when social welfare was needed to give aid and help solve these issues. Social work largely expanded in England in the 16th during the Elizabethan poor laws and later on in America between 17 and 18th century (Dulmus & Sowers, p.6). This essay is going to focus on how social work has evolved or changed for the better from the 1960s till present.

This essay will focus on how contemporary social workers work to balance the competing demand of care and control. It will start by outlining the nature of the contemporary social work and what it is like and how it works within society. The discussion will then move on to look at and discuss the key professional values of social work practitioners and analyse its relationship to their own personal values, this will also bring into account how these values and views influenced the relationship a social worker can have with both service users and other agencies. Lastly it will explore the range of challenges and dilemmas that are faced by social work practitioners in everyday practice when it comes to trying to balance the demand of care and control and how they work to overcome these problems in order to ensure an effective and fair service to all who avail of it.

This section of the paper will discuss the definition of social work, values associated with social work and arguments for and against the use of systems theory in social work practice. Social work can be described as a field of study that encompasses individuals and their environment. Social work can be defined as work trained professionals do to elevate stressors of individuals so they may become more self-sufficient and empowered to live to their fullest potential.

In retrospect, the authors speak on the importance of social workers and how they very needed. “The depression and the world war drew the profession back momentarily to social concerns and provided a social context for the emergence of social group work and community organization as social work specializations” (Specht &

As discussed by Williams & Bell (2015), the evolving identity of social work has been continually unclear among the general public and social workers themselves. Theoretically social work practice is thought to have abandoned its original ideals of community focus and collective betterment shifting its concentration to individualistic approaches. Since its inception, beginning with settlement houses and charity organizations in the 19th century, social work practice has endeavored for recognition as a profession in its own right not as a supplement to other professions in a secondary manner such as assisting doctors or lawyers etc.

According to Jane Adams (n.d), the knowledge imparted gives way to the idea of the significance of preserving the dignity of the people with the intent of self-empowerment. The contributions of this early pioneer offers insights to the development of social innovations, as she transfers her idea of professional advancement, social services, and social reform as a change agent creating social change (History of Social Work, n.d.). Finally, the continued advancement of social work is appropriate through the transference of communications of individuals linked in networks for evoking new ideas, and to broaden the social work practice and its educational experience, beginning with the idealism of our early pioneers (History of Social Work,

The article I have selected is; ‘Baby P and Victoria Climbie tragedies synonymous with reforms to system’. The reason I have selected this article is because I found these two stories very interesting with the fact these two names have been reported about so many times across the media with the horrific child abuse they incurred. I also like the fact that after these two tragedies occurred there has been many reforms to the system to ensure fewer tragedies like these can occur in the future for example, social workers are making more frequent visits to children who may be at risk of any child abuse. I will structure my essay with beginning to explain the complexities and rewards for social workers then refer to the two children; baby P and Victoria on their backrounds. Afterwards, I will analyse references and how their impact effects the social services and viewers also. Finally, I will link all my findings together and I will discuss how my understanding of social work has changed as a result of undertaking this essay. Throughout my assignment the aspects I will focus on are how the media has reflected social services in these two cases of baby P and Victoria and how this effects viewer’s perspectives and the social work dilemmas and ethical issues raised by The Telegraph article.

Social work refers to the profession in which there is a “distinctive emphasis... on the interface between individuals and their social environment” (Toseland & Rivas, 2005, p. 5). The profession was created as a response to a need or concern (Johnson & Yanca, 2010, p. 4). Common human needs include: food, shelter, clothing, health care, opportunities for emotional and intellectual growth, as well as meaningful relationships (Johnson & Yanca, 2010, p. 6). As Johnson and Yanca (2009) state, social work is only one of several social functioning professions and continues to develop from influences from the past and present (p. 10). The profession itself mainly focuses on social welfare, as its purpose is to “promote human and community well-being” (Schriver, 2011, p. 3).

Social work embodies diverse theoretical structure that can be applied in the practice. However, there are two current approaches that are guiding social workers’ performance in a conventional or progressive practice. A conventional approach tends to maintain the social order, and thus it is aligned with societal values and institutions. On the other hand, a progressive approach criticizes “the status quo”, and aims to change social structures.

Contemporary social work is a complex and demanding role. Professionals are required to undertake continuous professional development and learning in order to ensure that they are fully equipped and fit for practice; this is required by the governing body, the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), who regulate all social workers in the UK (Health Care Professions Council, 2016). As part of the social work role, professionals have a statutory duty to investigate cases of abuse or neglect, risk assess, supervise and protect the most vulnerable and marginalised of society; In doing so, social workers may also be required to consult with legal specialists or attend court hearings. Since its establishment, the social work role has evolved enormously

A historical and defining highlight of social work is the calling’s attention on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Essential to social work is the consideration regarding environmental forces that make, add to and address problems in living. Social workers look to enhance the capacity of individuals to address their own particular needs. Social workers additionally seek to advance the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals’’ needs and social problems. (NASW, 1999).

In this essay I will be giving a brief introduction to the history of social work practice, by introducing the laws that contributed to its development. Explaining how the sub divisions divide into specialism 's within the variety of social work settings, using both public and private sectors to show understanding. Also, demonstrate knowledge of different legislation that has been introduced to social work practice over the past 25 years and why it is used in particular areas. Then to finalise using protection issues, how to justify why legislation was used by assessing the likely impact of results.

Social Work is a discipline that can be a very rewarding experience for both the worker and the client. The practice involves working with individuals, families, or groups who are struggling to cope with life`s challenges. The social worker must combine his or her personal qualities, creative abilities, and social concerns with the professional knowledge in order to help client’s social functioning or prevent social problems from developing (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 34). Social work practice seeks to promote human well-being, while addressing the processes by which individuals and groups are marginalized or diminished in their capacity to participate as citizens (Ian O'Connor, 2006, p. 1).

Social work has grown, evolved and adapted over time to address the needs of an ever changing diverse society. Social workers have a unique culture linked to their profession that has changed over the years. In 1915 social work was not really seen as a profession as it lacked technical skills and specialised knowledge. However today social work has evolved as it now requires education and training and the social work to have a background check to make sure they are suitable for the role. The profession has certain ethics, values and practices in place. Cultural identity is a massive part of social work today whereas it was not in the past. Today is guides practice and provides social workers with support, pride and motivation. This is done through multiagency working as the social work will get support from other health and social care professionals, this will provide them with support and confidence. (USC Social Work,