Greene and Lee (2002) states that when considering the social constructivist approach an understanding of the way individuals function within society is important to appreciate the meaning they ascribe to their experiences of society and culture. Dean (1993 suggests that knowledge and meaning are created and influenced by institutions within the environment. From this individual suffering from mental illness will create their reality and will then view future experiences through this (Dewees, 1999)
As an American, and a human service professional, my primary job is to address the hypocrisy and moral corruption and confliction of those individuals and systems who solely convey America’s constitutional banner, but neglects its moral practicality. Americans think that by making everyone equal, constitutively and legislatively, we would effortlessly develop a moral society. Morality assumes that people have advantages over others such physical wellness, as skin-pigmentation, sexual identification, autonomy from mental illness and it dictates that we do not take advantage of those who are disadvantaged. Systems and society at large should not use our differences to justify the unjustifiable: inhumanly treatment and exclusion of other humans.
Emotional Intelligence is defined as being able to recognize emotions in self and others, understanding how emotions work and being able to manage emotions. Knowing the crucial role of emotions and relationships in the social work chore, the rapid growth of literature reveals the relevance of EI to social work is behind the schedule and it’s time to re-evaluate and work on it. In this study, the relationship between emotional intelligence, measured by the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence were examined with a sample of social work professionals in different fields (N=100). Demographic profile such as age group gender, the order of birth, marital status, type of family, education,
I began college as a freshman at Central Michigan University thinking I was going to become an elementary teacher. I knew I wanted to make an impact on peoples lives but after my first week of classes, I remember telling myself becoming a teacher is not how I wanted to do it. I went to my counselor and added a social work course to my schedule. I had finally found courses I enjoyed taking and academically excelled in. Which brings me to where I am now, pursuing my degree in social work. I’ve been asked many times; “Why do you want to be a social worker?” The answer to that is quite simple. I want to be a social worker because of the happiness helping others brings me. I thought I could change the world by influencing future generations through
Integrating theory into social work practice is essential in defining why social work is needed and how to practice it effectively. This paper will discuss two theories; intersectionality and life course theory, as I believe that these two theories are collectively suitable and effective in interrupting the cycle of oppression. I will draw upon both my own experiences and literature to analyze the strengths and limitations of intersectionality and life course theory. This discussion will exemplify how intersectionality and life course theory enhance each other and can work synergistically to inform my social work practice.
Something that I consider to be both a strength and a weakness in my social work career is my gentle and reassuring manner. On the surface, this may seem like an excellent trait to have. I am very much a “people person” and others are naturally drawn to me. I tend to look at situations in a positive light as much as possible and have become an expert in removing tension between family members or dealing with end-of-life concerns. The majority of the residents value this quality in me and seek me out when a difficult decision needs to be made. However, my demeanor may be a disadvantage if I were to be working with another population or in a different setting. For example, I do not think be successful in jobs at prisons or alternative schools because I may have to be more serious and assertive with my clients.
Social work skills, theoretical knowledge and values that has been learnt and obtained through both of my placements has and will continue to be a fundamental component of my emerging social work identity. Work being undertaken, whether that being in a government or non-government organisation, has proven to be at times difficult, as often organisations which state that they provide diversity, social justice and inclusive practice are restricted by funding constraints, hierarchical structures and rigid polices. Personally having had two non-government placements, it has been difficult to be able to first-hand make these comparisons. However, through speaking with peers in my PSAG group and through government agency visits conducted on my previous and current placement, it has reinforced that even though we as social workers are working with such rigid and stricken policies, by using a wide range of practice skills and theoretical knowledge that has been acquired throughout my two
This is a key framework of sociological theory. It depend on symbols and their meaning. The words we use to describe our behaviour and the behaviour of others is very important. To elaborate further and get into detail about this theory, firstly the theory and key terms have to be defined, secondly the major proponents and tenets, thirdly the history of the theory, fourthly the purpose of the theory, fifthly the significance of the theory for social work practice, followed by the epistemology, consistency with social work values and ethics, implication of the theory, position of the theory on the population served by the social worker, strength and weakness, relevance of Intersectionality, critical perspective on contemporary issues
Make a critical reflection on any two areas of knowledge (knowledge base) in International social work practice.
Being a social worker is often a challenging, yet rewarding career. Social workers are responsible for helping individuals, families, and groups of people to cope with problems they’re facing to improve their patients’ lives. Social workers are also trained caseworkers in social service agencies who perform several functions which they use different components of the practice framework, the theoretical underpinnings to in order to build helping relationships. After interviewing a caseworker in a specific social agency there were advantages and disadvantages of methods along with challenges encountered in working in that specific agency. With all of this the functions, roles and responsibilities of a caseworker is what helps any agency to uphold
Social work is a career that I have recently become interested in pursuing. I spent many years with misconceptions concerning the sector. However, following three years of working close by these experts, I have picked up a more profound comprehension of the significance of the work.I am especially interested in working in child welfare along with terminally ill children. I have got to a stage in my career where I have started to search out instruction that will make me more efficient in creating plans and providing services for vulnerable people. I am confident that the skills that I will gain from completing a social work master’s degree will help me collaborate with people in need and aid sustainable growth in their lives.
According to the National Alliance of Social Workers (NASW), social justice is one of the primary ethics which social workers must uphold. Empowerment is a social work theory rooted in social justice, with a main goal of reducing social inequalities through community building and redistribution of access to power. The basic premise of empowerment is "to change the environment, change yourself" (Van Wormer & Besthorn, pg. 212). However, in order to change one 's environment or self, there must be options available and opportunities for individuals to have control over their own decisions. Empowerment theory also aims to build community through citizen participation, collaboration and engagement among community members. This theory also seeks
The social work profession, was based on values that contributed not only to its own professional development and to helping different service user groups, but also to the development of societies in general.
The system theory wasn’t originally developed for social work practice, and was used by the social workers as they were relevant. However, strength based approach has been developed by social worker themselves.
Work to uplift the society by helping people, their families and communities by correcting their problems and try to work for their betterment. Social work is a profession and people doing social work are skilled professionals with good command on their subject. This practice requires an understanding of human. Social work professionals are found in every facet of our life. Example, education institution, companies, healthcare organisations to name a few. This profession requires a diverse range of skills and right attitude and behaviour to handle the clients. Active listening, being tolerant and empathetic, critical analysis of the situation and immense strength and determination.