jkpo;ehL jpwe;j epiyg;

gy;fiyf;fofk;

Master of Social Work

SEMESTER-1

MSWS - 11

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
TAMIL NADU OPEN UNIVERSITY
577, ANNA SALAI, SAIDAPET, CHENNAI - 15.

October 2021
 SELF- LEARNING MATERIAL COURSE
WRITERS AND
EDITORIAL BOARD

Reviewer

Ms. J.Renee Arathi,

Assistant Professor,
Department of Social Work
School of Social Sciences
Tamil Nadu Open University,
Chennai - 15.

First Edition: October 2021

© Tamil Nadu Open University
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication
or transmitted in any form without a written permission

Tamil Nadu Open University.

www.tnou.ac.in
 TAMIL NADU OPEN UNIVERSITY
(A Stale Open University Establislled by Government of Tamil Nadu, Recognized by UGC & DEB,
Member in Asian Association of Open Universities & Association of Commonwealth Universities)
No.577, Anna Salai. Saidapet. Chennai - 600 015. Tamil Nadu.

Professor S.Arumugam Date:09.03.2023

Vice Chancellor
Message

Dear Learners,

I have great pleasure invite you to the Tamil Nadu Open University, a leading Open and Distance

Education Institution in India. I am doubly happy to know that you hove joined a program at the University
for upgrading your educational qualification.T he University has been striving hard ta democratize tertiary

education to all sections of society with a singular motto "education to anyone at any time" since its inception
in 2002. You can feel proud that you are a learner of the University that has got the UGCs approval vide F.

No. 1-6/2018 (DEB) dated 03.10.2018 for of fering 81 UG and P G programs through distance mode. As you

are aware, the Government of Tamil Nadu vide G.o. (MS) No. 107 assured that those, who have secured a
Degree in the Tamil Nadu Open University through the 10+2+3 Pattern are eligible for government jobs.

With dedicated and uncompromising learner supporting services, the University facilitates pertinent

learning needs such as (a) a SOcially relevant updated curriculum, (b) resourceful Self-Learning Materials

prepared by eminent academics, (c) conduction of induction programs for the first -year learners, (d)
arranging counseling classes and examination centres within your vicinity, (e) reliable grievance redressal

mechanism and so on.To provide equal education on par with on-campus education, the University holds

its Learner Support Centres (LSCs) at 210 Government Arts and Science Colleges across the State, as per the

approval of the Government ofTamii Nadu.

As of now, the University operates t welve Regional Centres each one in Chennai, Coimbatore,

Dharmapuri, Madurai, Tirunelveli, The Nilgiris, T iruchirappalli, Villupuram, Salem, T iruvannamalai,

Mayiladuthurai and Sivagangai. T hese Regional Centres facilitate robust learner- supporting services.

Learners can get their essential ser vices at the respective Regional Centre rather than approaching the

Head Quarters. Moreover, our University Website holds a separate page for the "Student Por tal'; in which

you can get almost all the details relating to your program with just clicking on the mouse. To reduce the time
and cost, the Online Admission facility is also extended to those who are inclined to join any program being

offered by the University from their places.

At this juncture, I assure you that the Tamil Nadu Open University will always extend its constant academic

support from admission to placement ef fectively.

You can get more details at www.tnou.oc.in or 044-24306600.

I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!

� [email protected] \. Ph. 044-24306633/24306634 ®l URL:www.tnou.ac.in

Fax:91-44-24356767
 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
MSWS - 11

SYLLABUS

BLOCK I Basic Concepts of Social Work

UNIT - 1 : Concept of Social Work

UNIT - 2 : Introductions to Methods of Social Work
UNIT - 3 : Basic Concepts of Social Work
UNIT - 4 : Religio-Philosophical Foundation
BLOCK II Historical Development of Social Work

UNIT - 5 : Professional Development of Social Work

UNIT - 6 : Demography of Indian Society
UNIT - 7 : Professionalization of Social Work I
BLOCK III Professionalization of Social Work

UNIT - 8 : Professionalization of Social Work II

UNIT – 9 : Generalist Social Work

BLOCK:IV Contemporary Ideologies for Social

Change and Development

UNIT - 10 : Contemporary Ideologies for Social Change

UNIT - 11 : Ideology of Development
UNIT - 12 : Educational Social Work

BLOCK:V Fields of Social Work

UNIT - 13 : Industrial Social Works

UNIT - 14 : Social Work In the Community Settings

UNIT - 15 : Criminal and Correctional Administration
UNIT - 16 : Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
BOOK REFERENCES:
1. Dasgupta, Sugata, Towards a Philosophy of Social Work in India
(New Delhi, Gandhian Institute of Studies 1967).
2. Encyclopaedia of Social Work in India, Vol. I (India Offset Press,
New Delhi, 1909).
3. Fried Lander, W.,Concepts and Methods of Social Work (New
York, Prentice Hall, 1959).
4. Gangrade, K.D., Social Legislation in India, Vols. I and II (Delhi:
Concept Publishing Co.,1978)
5. Goel, S.L. and Jain, R.K.,Social Welfare Administration, Vol.I (New
Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications, 1998).
6. Goode and Hatt, Methods in Social Research (New York:McGraw
Hill, 1957).
7. Gore M.S., Social Work and Social Work Education (Asia
Publishing House, Bombay, 1965).
8. Konopka, Gisela, Social Group Work: A Helping Process
(Englewood, Prentice Hall, 1963).
9. Madan, G.R., Indian Social Problems, Vol.II (Allied Publishers Pvt.
Ltd., Ahmedabad, Bombay, 1956).

10. Ross, Muray G., Community Organisation (London: Harper & Row,
1967).
11. Sachdeva, D.r., Social Work Administration in India. Sapre, R.K.,
Development Aministration (New Delhi: Deep & Deep
Publications, 1986).
12. Singh, K., Social Work: Theory and Practice (Prakashan Kendra
Railway Crossing,Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 1996).
 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
SCHEME OF LESSONS

MSWS - 11

BLOCK I Basic Concepts of Social Work Page No

UNIT - 1 : Concept of Social Work 1 - 9

UNIT - 2 : Introductions to Methods of Social Work 10 - 16
UNIT - 3 : Basic Concepts of Social Work 17 - 23
UNIT - 4 : Religious-Philosophical Foundation 24 - 37

BLOCK II Historical Development of Social Work

UNIT - 5 : Professional Development of Social Work 38 - 50
UNIT - 6 : Demography of Indian Society 51 - 59
UNIT - 7 : Professionalization of Social Work I 60 - 69

BLOCK III Professionalization of Social Work

UNIT - 8 : Professionalization of Social Work II 70 - 78
UNIT - 9 : Generalist Social Work 79 - 88

BLOCK:IV Contemporary Ideologies For Social

Change And Development
UNIT- 10 : Contemporary Ideologies for Social Change 89 - 95
UNIT – 11: Ideology of Development 96 - 104
UNIT - 12 : Educational Social Work 105 - 111

BLOCK V Fields Of Social Work

UNIT - 13 : Industrial Social Works 112 - 118

UNIT - 14 : Social Work In the Community Settings 119 - 126

UNIT - 15 : Criminal and Correctional Administration 127 - 133
UNIT - 16 : Medical and Psychiatric Social Work 134 - 142
UNIT - 1

CONCEPT OF SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

1.1. Meaning and Definition

1.1.1. Definitions

1.2. Basic Assumptions of Social work

1.3. Objectives of Social Work

1.4. Scope of Social Work

1.5. Functions of Social Work

1.5.1. Remedial functions

1.5.2. Preventive function

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Human beings live in the society. Society is the collection of

individuals united by certain relations or mode of behaviour which mark

7
them off from others who do not enter into these relations or who differ in

behaviour. It is also a complex web of social relations. This relation is

the result of the interaction of the social people. Society is changeable.

When social people can’t keep pace with social change properly, they

face problems especially in the industrialized society. They face

multifarious problems which require professional, knowledge-based and

sustainable solutions. To meet these problems effectively, social work

has emerged.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this chapter, the student will be able to understand the following

x Social Work - It’s Meaning and Definitions.

x The student will have a clear understanding about the major

objectives of social work.

x Will be able to list down various scopes and functions of social

work.

x Will be able to elucidate how these ideologies contributed to the

social development.

1.1. Meaning and Definition:

Social work is a practice-based profession that promotes social

change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and

communities. Social work practices involves, the understanding of

human development, behaviour and the social, economic and cultural

institutions and interactions. Social workers work in communities with

people finding positive ways forward in the challenges they face in their

lives. They help people build the kind of environments in which they

8
want to live, through co-determination, co-production and social

responsibility. Economic health cannot be achieved without social

health. Social work practice, promotes the human well-being by

strengthening the opportunities, resources, and capacities of the people

in their environments and by creating policies and services to the correct

conditions that limit human rights and the quality of life. The social work

profession works to eliminate poverty, discrimination, and oppression.

Guided by a person-in-environment perspective and respect for the

human diversity, the profession works to effect social and economic

justice worldwide.

Some individuals have personal or family problems. Sometimes

they cannot solve these by themselves. So, they need outside help.

Such help comes from trained people. The individual seeking help is

known as the client and the trained person helping him is known as a

social worker. Social work is a helping profession that fundamentally and

radically aims to assist individuals, groups and community to cope up

with their complex socio-economic psychological problems through

enabling themselves, so that they can solve their problem by helping

themselves. Social work is a concept of the social science of doing well

for each other personally as well as collectively. It refers to a collective

approach of reducing the suffering and disadvantages and increasing

happiness and advantages of the community members with the active

participation and the involvement of individuals, as well as government

and Non-government organisation.

Current definition is given by Social Scientists Skidmore and

Thakery. They said, “Social Work may be defined as an art, a science a

9
profession that helps people to solve personal, group and community

problems and to attain satisfying personal, group and community

relationship through social work practice including case work and

community organization, administration and research.” Every profession

has its knowledge and practice on the basis of which the professionals

of that profession engage them in human service, and on the basis of

their knowledge and then educational activities. In the same way social

workers have to practice social work on the basis of social work related

educational activities.

High lighting the theoretical side W.A. Friedlander said, “Social

work is a professional service based upon the scientific knowledge and

the skill in the human relations, which assists individual alone or in

groups to obtain social and personal satisfactions and independence.

The knowledge is borrowed from sociology, psychology, anthropology,

political science, economics, biology, psychiatry, law, medicine etc. All

disciplines have contributed much, to the understanding of the human

nature. Social workers make use of this knowledge to solve the

problems of their clients. Social work is rooted in humanitarianism. It is

"Scientific Humanism" as it uses scientific base. Social work is based on

certain values which, when organized, constitute the "Philosophy of

Social Work". Social work is based on faith in the essential worth and

dignity of the individual. Man is an object of respect, not because he is

rich or powerful, but became, he is a human being. Human nature

endows the individual with worth and dignity which, every other human

being has to respect. Social work is against any kind of discrimination

based on the caste, colour, race, sex or religion. Social work is against

10
"Social Darwinism" and the principle of "survival of the fittest". This

means that social work does not believe that only the strong will survive

in the society and the weak will perish. Those who are weak, disabled

and or need care are equally important for the social workers. The

individual is understood as a whole, with the same worth and dignity in

spite of differing psychological, social and economic aspects. The social

worker believes in the capacity of the individual and also recognizes the

individual differences. The individual's self-determination is given

importance. He should be understood from both domestic and cultural

points of view. Social work is a combination of "idealism and realism". To

a social worker an individual is important, but society is equally

important.

1.1.1. Definitions:

Anderson” (1943) “Social work is a professional service rendered to

people for the purpose of assisting them, as individuals or in group to

attain satisfying relationships and standards of life in accordance with

their particular wishes and capacities and in harmony with those of the

community.”

x According to Fink 1942 “Social work is the provision of service

designed to aid individuals, singly or ingroups in coping with the

present or future social problems and the obstacles that prevent

or are likely to prevent, full or effective participation in society.”

x Social work is an entity representing three clearly distinguished

but inter-related parts: a network of social services, carefully

developed methods and process the social policy expressed

though the social institutions and individuals. All three are based

11
 on a view of human being, their interrelationships, and the ethical

demands made on them.” G. Konopka (1958)

x “Social work is concerned with the interaction between people

and their social environment which affects the ability of the

people to accomplish their life tasks, alleviate distress, and

realize their aspiration and values.” A. Pincus and Minahan

(1978)

x “Social work is a welfare activity based on humanitarian

philosophy, scientific knowledge and technical skill for helping

individuals or community, to live a rich and full life.” Indian

Conference of Social Work (1957)

x Social Work is the professional activity of helping individuals,

groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for

social functioning and creating societal conditions favourable to

this goal. Social Work practice consists of the professional

application of Social Work values, principles, and techniques to

one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible

services; counselling and psychotherapy with individuals,

families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or

improve processes. The practice of Social Work requires the

knowledge of human development and behaviour of social,

economic, and cultural institutions and of the interactions of all

these factors. - National Association of Social Workers.

12
1.2. Basic Assumptions of Social Work:

Social work is built on a number of fundamental assumptions that

help shape the direction and course of the field. Many people choose to

enter social work because they have deep personal beliefs and feelings

that resonate with these assumptions.

Concept of Self-Actualization:

One of the main assumptions of working as a social worker is the

idea that the inherent purpose of the human existence is self-

actualization. You believe that everyone has the right to achieve their

highest potential, regardless of their background or class. You also

believe that one of the key goals of social work is to help your clients,

meet their inner potential as much as is possible in the context of their

current situations. You realize that there are certain cultural, societal,

psychological and biological roadblocks that may impede this process,

and you work to help your clients remove these blocks.

Importance of Social Relationships:

Another underlying assumption of social work is the importance

of human relationships. Social workers realize that life takes place in the

greater context of society, and take societal and interpersonal factors

into account when working with their clients. According to Carolyn

Campbell, assistant professor of social work at the Dalhousie University,

you understand the impact of the social identities, meaning race, culture,

ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and class, of

your clients, and work to understand the importance of society and

13
individual relationships on your client's current circumstances and

problems.

Right to Dignity:

An essential assumption of social work is that everyone has the

right to dignity, independence and respect. According to the University

Of Iowa School Of Social Work, you allow your clients to make their own

decisions and avoid allowing your own personal prejudices and biases

interfere with your client's right to self-determination. Additionally, you

treat your clients with respect and consider the multicultural impacts, that

may play a role when interacting with the clients of a different

background than your own.

Human Behavior is Understandable:

As a social worker, you believe that the human behaviour is

understandable. You realize that everyone has underlying motives and

reasons for the way they act and interact, and that the human behaviour

is not based on randomness, even though it might seem that way at

times. You learn the underlying principles of human behaviour, theories

of personality and impact of social interaction to understand your clients'

motivations and to help them to the most beneficial extent possible.

1.3. Objectives of Social work:

Social work’s major objectives are the promotion, restoration,

maintenance and enhancement of the functioning of individuals,

families, groups. organizations and communities by helping them to

accomplish tasks, prevent and alleviate distress and use resources.

Some of the objectives are as below;

14
 x to solve psycho-social problems.

x to fulfil humanitarian needs like love, affection, care, etc.

x to solve adjustment issues.

x to create self-sufficiency.

x to make and strengthen harmonious social relations.

x to make provision of corrective and recreational services.

x to develop democratic values among the people.

x to provide opportunities for development and social progress.

x to sensitize the community.

x to change the environment in favour of individual’s growth and

development.

x to bring change in the defective social system for social

development.

x to provide socio-legal aid to the needy who cannot afford to meet

them.

1.4. Scope of Social Work:

The scope of social work has been changing with the changes in its

objectives and with the changing social situation. The profession is

increasingly recognized for its unique services to the people and being

asked to perform new and varied tasks. The principal aim of social work

is to solve psycho-social problems which obstruct the social

advancement of an individual. Social work as one of the youngest

branches of knowledge, is gradually embracing every aspect of human

15
life. Consequently, its scope is gradually expanding. It has now started

to become international and inter-racial in scope. It deals with almost all

the groups of the society in the following ways:

1. The agencies: non-governmental, semi-governmental or

governmental which render social work services.

2. The ways (methods) through which they render services such as

Case Work, Group Work, Community Organization, Social Action,

Social Research, Social Welfare Administration, etc. and

3. The various types of services (fields of social work) that they

render to individuals, groups and communities keeping in mind

the objectives, philosophy and values of social work.

4. The scope of social work has been changing with the changes in

its objectives and the changing social situation. The profession is

increasingly recognized for its unique services to the people and

being asked to perform new and varied tasks. The principal aim of

social work is to solve psychosocial problems which obstruct the

social advancement of an individual. Social work, as one of the

youngest branches of knowledge, is gradually embracing every

aspect of human life. Consequently, its scope is gradually

expanding. It has now started to become international and inter-

racial in scope.

1.5. Functions of Social Work:

Function of social work refers to the natural activity of social work

or the statements of how social work operates. social work operates to

assist individuals in adjusting to the institutional frame work of the

16
society and attempts to modify the institutional frame work itself in

appropriate areas.

1.5.1. Remedial functions - to assist individuals and groups to identify

and resolve or minimize problems arising out of disequilibrium between

themselves and the environment.

x curative aspect - seeks to remove factors which have caused the

breakdown in the person's social functioning.

x rehabilitative aspect - tries to put back the person to a normal or

healthy state of social functioning.

x One example for curative aspect is helping a girl who engages in

prostitution for a living to change her ways through counseling

relationship and effecting necessary changes in her home or

environmental conditions. The rehabilitative aspect could involve

helping her avail herself of opportunities for schooling, skills

training, and legitimate employment.

1.5.2. Preventive function: - to identify potential areas of

disequilibrium between individuals or groups and the environment in

order to prevent occurrence of disequilibrium. This involves early

discovery, control and elimination of those conditions or situations which

may have a harmful effect on social functioning. Examples of this

function include counselling on premarital and other family problems,

sex education of youth to prevent early marriage, sexual abuse; and

working for the enactment of laws and policies that would help prevents

abuse of women and children.

3. Developmental function: - to seek out, identify and strengthen the

maximum potential in individuals, groups and communities. The aim is

17
both to help the individual make maximum use of his potentials and

capacities as well as to further the effectiveness of available social or

community resources. Examples of developmental function would

include helping unemployed and underemployed breadwinners to avail

themselves of opportunities for skills training while at the same time

providing necessary supportive services.

Let’s Sum Up

Social work is a field where trained professionals work for the welfare of

individuals, communities, families and groups. Social work enables

people and communities to deal with challenges and enhance their

wellbeing. It helps to promote social change and empowers people for

social and economic development. Social workers are engaged in a

number of activities such as counseling, diagnosis of societal problems,

interpersonal problems, community development, teaching, helping the

physically or mentally challenged and socio-political research. Every

activity in social work leads to providing services to individuals, families,

groups, communities and organizations.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What is meant by Social Work?

2) List any two major objectives of social work?

3) What are curative functions in Social Work?

GLOSSARY

Assumption- : a thing that is accepted as true or as certain

to happen, without proof.

18
Self-Actualization : fulfilment of one's talents and potentialities,

especially considered as a drive or need

present in everyone.

Remedial : giving or intended as a remedy or cure.

Preventive : medicine or other treatment designed to

prevent disease or ill health.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline

that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the

empowerment and liberation of people. Social work is a hands-on

profession that strives to help people and families deal with their

different problems.

2) To promote effective & human service system.

-To enhance problem solving, coping & development capacities,

-To link people with resources, services & opportunities.

3) To assist individuals and groups to identify and resolve or minimize

problems arising out of disequilibrium between themselves and the

environment. Curative aspect - seeks to remove factors which have

caused the breakdown in the person's social functioning.

REFERENCE SUGGESTED READINGS

x Dominelli, L.D., Social Work: Theory and Practice for a Changing

Profession, Cambridge, Policy Press, 2004.

19
 x Jainendra Kumar, An Introduction to Social Work, JhaAnmol

Publications Ltd, New Delhi, 2002.

x Joshi, S., C. Hand Book of Social Work. New Delhi: Akansha,

2004.

x https://work.chron.com/assumptions-working-social-worker-

11836.html

x https://socialworkeducationbd.blogspot.com/2017/08/functions-

of-social-work.html

x http://smartprep.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Social-Work-

Nature-Scope-Goals-and-Functions.pdf

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Give two Definitions for Social Work and explain the concept.

2. Enumerate the Basic Assumptions of Social Work?

3. What are the functions of Social Work?

20
UNIT - 2

INTRODUCTION TO METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

2.1. Primary Methods of Social Work

2.1.1. Social Case Work

2.1.2. Social Group Work

2.1.3. Community Orgaization

2.2. Secondary Methods of Social Work

2.2.1 Social Welfare Administration

2.2.2 Social Work Research

2.2.3 Social Action

Let us sum up

Check your progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

21
OVERVIEW

The concern of social work’s is to help people who are in need so

that they develop the capacity to deal with their problems by themselves.

It is both science and an art. Social work is a science in the sense that

the knowledge taken from different disciplines forms the body of

knowledge for a social worker and shake holder uses this theoretical

base for helping people i.e., for practice. What theory postulates has to

be put into practice. The required capacity to do it is known as skill.

Hence, professional social work with selected knowledge and the set of

social work values has to be transformed into a professional service. A

social worker has to establish a positive relationship with the clients. She

should know how to interview and write reports. He or she should be

able to diagnose i.e., find out the cause for the problem and finally

should work out a treatment plan. An Assessment of the problem,

planning for its solution, implementing the plan and evaluating the

outcome are the four major steps involved in social work. Social worker’s

keen interest in helping the client, alone will not solve the problem. In

this unit we will look at the primary and secondary methods of Social

Work practice.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By this chapter the student will be able to learn the Following:

x Methods of social work both Primary and secondary.

x The student will be able to distinguish and connect each direct

and indirect method and learn how to apply the same in practice.

will be able to list down various scopes and functions of social

work.

22
 x Will be able to distinguish the differences between case work and

group work.

2.1. Primary Methods of Social Work:

The first three of the methods given above are known as the

primary or direct methods. These are direct and primary in the sense

that they are directly applied in the field situation among the people to

solve their problems. These methods are involved to solve the problems

at the grass-root level by the social worker’s direct intervention.

2.1.1. Social case work:

It is primary method of social work. It deals with individual

problems through one-to-one relationship which is guided by

professional knowledge of the social case worker. Under method the

social case worker attempts to repair the impaired relationship of the

client with his social environment and through a guided interaction

he/she enables the client to adapt with his/her social environment.

Through this method the case worker discovers different aspects of the

client’s problem, prepares an appropriate treatment plan and finally with

professional knowledge in social relationship tries to bring about

necessary changes in the attitude and behaviour of the client in favour of

his own growth and development. Social case work deals with individual

problems- individual in the total environment or as a part of it. An

individual is involved in the problem as he is unable to deal with it on his

own, because of reasons beyond his control. His anxiety sometimes

temporarily makes him incapable of solving it. In any case, his social

functioning is disturbed. The case worker gets information regarding the

client’s total environment, finds out the causes, prepares a treatment

23
plan and with professional relationship tries to bring about a change in

the perception and attitudes of the client.

2.1.2. Social group work:

Social group work is another primary method of social work. It is

a process in which the individuals in a social group are helped by a

professionally qualified worker, who guides their interaction through

planned programme activities so that they may be able to relate

themselves with others and find growth opportunities in accordance with

their needs and capacities towards the noble end of individual group and

community development. In this method the group worker uses the

group as a potential tool for the positive change and personality

development of individuals. In group work individuals in the group are

most important and all programme activities revolve around their needs

for development. Through the group work process, they are helped to

improve their relationship and personality traits which may help them to

develop themselves and their community as whole. Social group work is

a social work service in which a professionally qualified person helps

individuals through group experience so as to help them move towards

improved relationships and social functioning. In group work individuals

are important and they are helped to improve their social relationships,

with flexible programmes, giving importance to the personality

development of the individual in group functioning and relationships. The

group is the medium and through it and in it, individuals are helped to

make necessary changes and adjustments.

2.1.3. Community Organization:

24
 Community organization as a method of social work is a process

through which efforts are directed towards meeting the community

needs by organizing human and material resources of the community.

Identifying problems, finding resources relevant to their needs,

developing and organizing inter-personal and inter-group relationship,

planning and executing effective programme activities are some of the

specific activities in community organization method. Organized and

collaborative effort of the members of the community for their own

development is the main concern of this method. Community

Organisation is another method of social work. Being made up of

groups, a community means organised systems of relationships but in

reality, no community is perfectly organised. Community Organisation is

a process by which a systematic attempt is made to improve

relationships in a community. Identifying the problems, finding out

resources for solving community problems, developing social

relationships and necessary programmes to realize the objectives of the

community are all involved in community organisation. In this way the

community can become self-reliant and develop a co-operative attitude

among its members.

2.2. Secondary Methods:

The three are known as secondary or indirect methods, because

they are involved indirectly by some specialized agencies or a set of

organized people. Unlike the primary methods, these methods generally

operate at the secondary levels but not with the people directly.

2.2.1. Social welfare administration:

25
 Social welfare administration is one of the secondary methods of

social work. It refers to a process through which social policy is

transformed into social service. In the other words, it is a process to

manage the affairs of social work or social welfare. Developing

programmes, mobilizing resources, recruiting and involving suitable

personnel, proper organization, coordination, providing skilful leadership,

supervision and guidance of staff, budgeting and evaluation are some of

the specified activities involved in social welfare administration method.

Social Welfare Administration is a process through which social work

services both private and public, are organised and administered.

Developing programmes, mobilising resources, involving selection and

recruitment of personnel, proper organisation, coordination, providing

skilful and sympathetic leadership, guidance and supervision of the staff,

dealing with financing and budgeting of the programmes and evaluation

are, some of the functions of a social worker in administration.

2.2.2. Social work research:

Social work research is another important method of social work.

It refers to the systematic and critical enquiry of the questions

encountered by social work professional in the field of application.

Through this method efforts are made to find answers to the existing and

emerging problems of social work so as to make them use in the

practical fields. Social work research like that of other social sciences is

contributing a lot to the store house of its knowledge and helping in the

better planning and implementation of social work programmes. Social

work research is a systematic investigation for finding out new facts, test

old hypotheses, verify existing theories and discover causal relationships

26
of the problems in which the social worker is interested. In order to

scientifically initiate any kind of social work programmes, a systematic

study of the given situation is necessary, through social work research

and surveys.

2.2.3. Social action:

Social action method of social work is the one that is used to

bring about desirable changes in the defective system for ensuring

social progress. Through this method attempts are made to mobilize

people, to create awareness on existing problems, to organize them and

to encourage them to raise their voice against undesirable practices

which hampers their development and finally to create pressure for

bringing about suitable legislation for social progress. This method seeks

to relate the community needs with the solution of the problems mainly

through collective initiatives. Social action aims at bringing about

desirable changes to ensure social progress. Crating awareness about

social problems, mobilizing resources, encouraging different ‘sections of

people to raise their voice against undesirable practices, and also

creating pressure to bring about legislation are some of the activities of

the social workers using the method of social action. It seeks to achieve

a proper balance between community needs and solutions mainly

through individual and group initiatives and self-help activities.

LET US SUM UP

Generally, method implies to systematic way of doing something.

In social work, method is understood as the systematic and planned way

of helping the people. The main concern of social work is to solve

psycho-social problems of individuals, groups and communities through

27
the conscious application of knowledge in methods, tools, techniques

and skills of social work. In this task, the social worker has to be

equipped with all the necessary methods of social work that ease his

work to help the people in solving their own problems.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. List the main methods of social work?

2. What role does social casework play in social work profession?

3. What is social Work Research?

GLOSSARY

Client : A person or organization using the services

of a Professional Social Worker.

Social Functioning : person’s ability to engage effectively in

social interactions,

Interpersonal : Relating to relationships or communication.

between people.

Causal : pivotal, responsible.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. The social work activities are classified into six major methods. These

are:

i. Social group work

ii. Social action

28
 iii. Social welfare research

iv. Social welfare

v. Social casework

vi. Community organization

2. Social case work is the oldest and the most developed method of

solving individual’s problems and improving his social relations. It is a

primary method of social work that is concerned with the adjustment and

development of the individual towards more satisfying human relations

3. Social work research is the application of research methods to solve

problems that social workers confront in the practice of social work. It

provides information that can be taken into consideration by social

workers prior to making decisions that affect their clients, programmes or

agencies such as use of alternative intervention techniques or change or

modification of programme/client/objectives and so forth.

REFERENCE SUGGESTED READINGS

x Adams, R. Social Work and Empowerment. New York: Palgrave

Macmillan, 2003.

x Alston, M. and McKinnon, J. Social Work – Fields of Practice.

Australia: Oxford U P, 2003.

x Anand, C.L, Equality, Justice and Reserve Discrimination,

Popular book service, New Delhi. 1982

x Banks, S. Ethics and Values in Social Work. New York: Palgrave

Macmillan, 2001.

29
 x Bogo, M. Social Work Practice- Concepts, Processes and

Interviewing.New York: Columbia University Press, 2006.

x https://keralasocialworker.wordpress.com/tag/methods-of-social-

work/

x https://socialworkeducationbd.blogspot.com/2017/08/methods-of-

social-work.html

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Explain the Primary Methods of Social Work?

2. Explain the Secondary Methods of Social Work?

30
UNIT - 3

BASIC CONCEPTS OF SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

3.1. Social Welfare

3.2. Social service

3.3. Social reform

3.4. Social Justice

3.5. Social Security

3.6. Human rights

3.7 Social policy

3.8 Social legislation

3.9 Social development

3.10 Social Administration

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

31
OVERVIEW

Social worker has to study those various aspects that directly

relates with social work practices and approaches. these basic concepts

constitute to a better understanding about the various issues and also

enables the social worker to be assertive and aware in these concepts

before getting to help an individual, group or a community. These Basic

concepts of social work such as social service, Social Justice, Social

Development, Social Legislation, Social Defence, Social Security and

Human Rights are the foundational concepts that would enrich the social

work practice.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By this chapter the student will be able to learn the Following:

x Basic concepts on which social work stands today.

x The student will be able to distinguish the differences and relate

each concept to social work its theoretical application and

practice.

x Will be able to associate the basic concepts to contemporary

social issues and have a professional perspective towards them.

3.1. Social Welfare:

Social welfare refers to how people, communities and

organizations work towards providing certain minimum standards and

certain opportunities. It is all about helping people deal with

contingencies. This means that, it can be designed as a systematic set

of programs that assist the population in different stages of their lives

but, that system comes from an effort and intention to provide that social

32
welfare situation on the first place. Overall, social welfare means an

ongoing attempt to take care of the particular needs identified in the

society. Social welfare activities are meant to cater to the particular

needs of the individuals and groups who, due to some social, economic,

physical or mental handicap, are not able to benefit from the services

offered by the community. Such weaker sections comprise of women,

children, the physically challenged, the old and the weak, and those

belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

3.2. Social Service:

Social service is a professional and academic order, aimed at

developing the quality of life and the welfare of a person, group or

community through the research, policy making and community

organizing. It is the direct practice or teaching on behalf of those

suffering from poverty or any real or perceived social injustices and

human rights violation. Social service refers to a formally organized and

socially sponsored institution, agencies and programmes, which

maintain or improve economic and social conditions, health or personal

competence in some, or all, parts of the population. The objectives of

social work services are as follows:

x Improving the problem-solving and capacities of people to

cope in a better way with their issues.

x Assisting the marginalized and vulnerable groups like

children, old, sick and weak, specially challenged, and so

on.

33
 x Arranging rehabilitation services for the individuals in

prison and their families.

x Supporting the community as a whole in initiating socially

beneficial programmes by utilizing the available

community resources.

x Enhancing the social networking and providing better

access to the administrative units for services, resources

and opportunities.

x Carrying out research (such as case studies, surveys);

and thereby contributing to the development and

improvement of the social policies of the government.

3.3. Social reform:

Social reform is a movement that seeks to change the social and

political views of the marginalized groups. Social reform movements

involve the marginalized group and the activists, in an effort to change

political policy while bringing public awareness to the issue through

protests, amended legislature and the media. Reform movements are

often gradual movements, which make subtle changes to particular

characteristics of the society, although when a subtle social movement

does not work, a radical, aggressive social reform may take place.

Social movements have sought to reform the policies regarding

women's rights, slavery, civil rights, public school systems, prisons,

alcohol consumption, psychiatric hospitals, homeless shelters and voting

rights.

34
3.4. Social Justice:

Social justice refers to a political and philosophical theory that

focuses on the concept of fairness in relations between individuals in

society and equal access to wealth, opportunities, and social privileges.

Social justice initially focused on issues such as the distribution of

capital, property, and wealth due to the extreme levels of inequality and

economic distress prevalent at the time, resulting from the European

social class structure. Today, social justice has shifted towards a

stronger emphasis on human rights and improving the lives of the

disadvantaged and marginalized groups that have historically faced

discrimination in the society. Many of these groups have been

discriminated against on the basis of factors such as sex, age, wealth,

ethnicity, heritage, social status, religion, and others. Social justice often

leads to the efforts to redistribute wealth to some of the underprivileged

groups through providing income, jobs, and education support and

opportunities.

3.5. Social Security:

When someone is free from the fear of something, we talk about

his/her security. As far as the social security is concerned, when the

individual is free from the fear of dangers attached to social life, we can

say he/she is in social security. Social security denotes a set of services

or programmes which assure an individual where some protection

against the unpredicted circumstances may rise in the people’s social

life. Its meaning and scope differ from country to country, taking into

account prevailing traditions, ideals and social legislations. While in

some countries, social security includes only the income security, in

35
other countries, it covers a wide range of security measures depending

on people or the section’s social life.

India’s social security schemes cover the following types of social

insurances:

x Pension;

x Health Insurance and Medical Benefit;

x Disability Benefit;

x Maternity Benefit; and

x Gratuity.

3.6. Human Rights:

Human rights are rights inherent to all the human beings,

regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any

other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom

from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to

work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these

rights, without discrimination.

3.7. Social Policy:

Social policies are policies which are designed to address social

issues, ranging from poverty to racism. Many governments have

agencies which formulate and administrate social policies, and

governments approach social issues in a variety of ways. Social policy

reform can also take place outside the government, as seen when

community organizations work to support disadvantaged citizens. Social

36
policy primarily refers to guidelines, principles, legislation and activities

that affect the living conditions conducive to human welfare.

3.8. Social legislation:

Social legislations are the laws that seek to promote the

common good, generally by protecting and assisting the weaker

members of society, are considered to be social legislation. Such

legislation includes laws assisting the unemployed, the infirm, the

disabled, and the elderly. Social legislation means laws designed to

improve and protect the economic and social position of those groups in

the society which is because of age, sex, race, physical or mental defect

or lack of economic power cannot achieve health and decent living

standards for themselves.

3.9. Social development:

Social development is a high level of equitable and just the

participation of all the sections of the society in its institutions, and a fair

and equitable distribution of all basic resources among all these

sections. In other words, equal educational opportunities, health and

housing facilities for all without discrimination, and empowerment of the

weaker sections of the society are all the components of social

development. It also means that there should be no exclusion of any

section of the society from social institutions. Discrimination on the basis

of caste, class, gender, race or any other form, which prevents a section

of the population from participating in the social activities, institutions

and production activities, are detrimental to social development

3.10. Social Administration:

37
 To achieve the aims and objectives of social welfare, the

government formulates social policies and programmes and in

pursuance thereof enacts social legislation, allocates financial

assistance and provides organisational and administrative linkages in

the form of ministries and departments. It also seeks the partnership of

the of non-governmental organisations for the effective implementation

of the various social welfare programmes. Administration of all these

activities being undertaken in the sphere of social services and social

welfare is considered as falling in the realm of social welfare

administration. Social administration is concerned with the study of

welfare system of government’s sponsored social service.

LET’S SUM UP

The aim of social work is to help individuals fit better into their

environment and change the environment so.

Thus currently vital intersections in every intervention taken by a

professional social worker are dealt with.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. What do you mean by social defence?

2. What is social justice?

3. What does the term ‘social development’ denote?

GLOSSARY

Violation : an action that breaks or acts against

something, especially a law, agreement, principle,

or something that should be treated with respect:

38
Ethnicity : State of belonging to a social group that has a

common national or cultural tradition.

Underprevileged : Poor or disadvantaged.

Discrimination : unjust or prejudicial treatment.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Social defence is the process of protection of the society against

crime, through a systematically organized and coherent action by both

the state and civil society. Till recently, the term ‘social defence’ has

been used in the criminological and penological literature, but with the

advancement in social sciences and behavioural disciplines, the scope

of the term has been widened and the modes and modalities of

achieving its inherent objective have been shifting to more pragmatic

areas.

2. ‘Social justice ‘refers to the strategies and programmes which have

been initiated in order to include all the hitherto marginalized and socially

excluded sections of the society into the mainstream. This is based on

the idea that these sections (for example, women, Dalits, religious and

cultural minorities, physically challenged) were neglected by society

earlier, and therefore, society, as a whole, is responsible for their current

underdevelopment.

3. The term ‘social development’ is often used as a synonym of the term

‘development’ or ‘economic development’. The concept of social

development identifies the fact that betterment of socially and

39
economically weaker sections of the society is the primary responsibility

of the society.

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Differentiate Social Welfare and Social Service.

2. Write a short note on a) Social Justice b) Social Legislation and c)

Social Administration.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://www.reference.com/world-view/definition-social-reform

x https://www.myaccountingcourse.com/accounting-

dictionary/social-welfare

40
UNIT - 4

RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

4.1 Contribution of Religious Movements in the

Development

Of Social Work

4.2. Philosophical foundations in modern social work

4.3. Social work in Indian History

4.3.1 Pre-British period to 1800 A.D

4.4. Hinduism and Social Work

4.5. Christianity and Social work

4.6. Islam and Social Work

4.7. Buddhism and Social Work

4.8. Social and Political Movements

4.9. Arya Samaj Brahma Samaj

4.9.1. Brahma Samaj

4.9.2. NARMADHA Bachao Andolan Movement

Let us sum up

Glossary

41
 Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Social work as a practice existed since the beginning of the

human civilizations. But it emerged as a profession in the mid of the 19 th

century. Social work started its journey of development from Charity

concept of social work and had to travel a long distance to reach to the

present status of a profession. Before getting into the present status of a

profession, social work had to pass through different stages of

development.

Serving the poor and assisting one's fellow humans are highly

regarded values in Indian religious culture and community. When we go

through India's religious scriptures, we can see that all of the Indian

religions place a strong emphasis on charity and human service. Even in

the feudal times and beyond, devotion and service to one's fellow

human, respect for charity, and kinship existed. The form of assistance

which was provided to the needy individuals on the ground of religious

duty is known as ‘charity’ all over the world including India.

Human being is a social animal and in turn has concerns towards

his or her community and society as well. One can see this in the social

and economic history of all the peoples of the world. All the civilizations

are rooted in religion. Social work as a practice mainly relied upon

religion. The source of inspiration of social work perpetuating it till today

and has given it the present professional status, is mainly religion along

42
with the humanitarian attitude and devotion to mankind the main

inspiration for social work in India originally came from religious

teaching.

In all religions the emphasis for service is found. It is the well-

known fact that charity was the foundation stone of social work in India

and abroad as well. In the task of understanding the deep-rooted

relationship of social work with religions in India, let’s discuss how social

work associated to all the major religions professed/practiced in India.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By this chapter the student will be able to learn the Following:

x Will be able to gain knowledge about how Social work and

religion is interconnected in their philosophies.

x The student will be able know how Hinduism and social work can

be related through Indian History.

x This unit will also enable the student to know about the

Contribution of Social and Political Movements in the

Development of Social Work.

4.1 Contribution of Religious Movements in the Development of

Social Work:

Given the pervasiveness of religion and spirituality throughout

the people's lives and cultures, social worker needs to understand

religion and spirituality to develop a holistic view of the person in

environment and to support the professional mission of promoting

satisfaction of basic needs, well-being, and justice for all individuals and

communities around the world. This very base of social work, the Social

43
workers are expected to work ethically and effectively with religion and

spirituality as relevant to clients and their communities and to refrain

from negative discrimination based on religious or nonreligious beliefs.

4.2. Philosophical foundations in modern social work:

Since its emergence as an applied discipline over a century ago,

social work has incorporated and adapted major ideas from related

disciplines. These positions have been used to construct the ethical

foundations and epistemological perspective. Social Work as other

professions grew out of needs of other human beings. In the beginning it

begins as a charity-oriented service but with the change in the time and

situations this further led to a different professional service.

In view of the current globalization of cultural norms, intercultural

pressures, and challenges to intellectual values as patriarchal,

imperialist, and monocultural, is it possible to have a unitary, central

‘truth to act'? In order to grasp the foundations and consequences of

their practice choices, social workers must critically engage with

philosophical and theoretical writings. Social work as a profession is now

concerned with the problems wherever human institutions or relations

are at the stage of breakdown. Social work has emerged as an

international discipline and is now practiced in many countries around

the world: The International Federation of Social Workers claims

membership from at least 90 different countries. Since the very

beginning of social work, it has been based on certain assumptions

about man and society (theory) and their moral obligations to each other

with Philosophy.

44
4.3. Social work in Indian History

In India, social work is a relatively new discipline that has

progressed slowly and unevenly. As a result, its ethnic values have not

been completely appreciated. In India, religious teachings were the

primary source of inspiration for social work. There is a strong focus on

service in both religions. It is common knowledge that charity was the

cornerstone of social work in India and around the world. Understanding

the deep ties that exist between social work and religion in India is a

difficult job.

4.3.1. Pre-British Period to 1800 A.D

Serving one's fellow man is ingrained in Indian culture. Despite

its feudal philosophy and caste system, Indian society took care of the

needs of others when they were needed. The society and rulers placed

a premium on taking care of those who were in need. The following

social structures fulfilled certain responsibilities: Joint family: - It is like a

trust sharing common property. It protected the aged, children and

women and people with disability and served as a social trust. Village

community: - Indian villages were independent in the matters of food,

clothing and shelter. The whole community used to take care of each

other. Village temple: - In every village, there were temples. People

donated money to the temple and under this system, socially backward

people were protected. Dharmsalas attached to the temples also played

a role in the charity work.

The early Vedic period was characterized by total mutuality and

reciprocal assistance. People worked together to meet the basic and the

special needs that arose from precarious circumstances such as illness,

45
natural disasters, or external threats. Yajna, which was a forum where

tribes used to share whatever they had with others, was one of the most

traditional selfless activities. The term ‘Charity’ was another popular

word that was mainly used in the Vedic period. The concept of charity

sprang from the idea that whenever one serves the needy people in the

society, he/she serves God and earns ‘Punya’ or blessing from God.

This concept of Charity in other words has been described as Punya

does exist till now as the core value of humanity within one and another.

The women were in another way been empowered with the handicrafts

and skills that would further enhance them in making a decent livelihood

as such.

4.3.2. During British Period and the Present Scenario:

Indians lived in villages, prior to the arrival of the British. As a

result, the village's economy was self-sufficient. However, India was

viewed as an agrarian country under the British rule. Only industries that

offered better opportunities for the British capital to invest were allowed

to grow. The British rule menaced the organization of production. These

economic and organizational changes brought down the economic

condition of the Indians. All the problems were chiefly related with

health, housing, children and women welfare and labour, recreation,

crime and social disorganization. British period during the nineteenth

century was an enlightening period for the Indian elites, some of whom

came forward to work for bringing about enormous social transformation

in the Indian society. They contributed to a great extent towards change

in the religious, social, economic, political and cultural spheres. Reform

movements like Brahma Samaj, Arya Samaj, Prarthana Samaj,

46
Theosophical Society, Ram Krishna Mission along with the reformers

brought changes in the way of life. In India, a new era of social work

started as a result of the influence of western education and Christian

missionaries. It was founded on democratic and humanitarian principles.

Organizations like the Theosophical Society contributed towards the

awakening of the individual rights. Awareness on women's rights,

writings and developments in the field of psychology, sociology and

anthropology helped identify the individual needs, concepts of ill health

and mental illness. These developments gave an impetus to human

service and to the emergence of Social Work in India.

Professional social work is a relatively new concept in India.

Those involved in social welfare programmes from 1900 onwards found

a need for professional social workers. As a result, in 1905, the Indian

society began to revolt. The Mahatma Gandhi’s emergency and the

advent of the Sarvodaya Movement in 1915 resulted in a lot of positive

work in Indian politics. One of the famous Hindu organizations working

for the welfare of the people without any discrimination on the basis of

faith is Sri Satya Saibaba Charitable Trust. It does outstanding work in

the fields of health and education. Ram Krishna Mission has set up

many Vivekananda Mathas in different parts of the country which are

involved in promoting education, health through yoga, personality

development, rural development, natural resource development in the

guidelines of the ‘Sanatana Dharma’. In India, professional social work

owes its origin to a short-term training course on social service

organized by the social service league at Bombay. Till that time, social

workers (Volunteers) did not get any remuneration or salary. It was

47
simply a social service to the needy people guided by the principle of

humanity. Later, the first School of Social Work was started in 1936 by

Clifford Marshal, who was a protestant missionary and worked in

Napata. He came to India in 1925 and felt the need of trained social

workers.

The major objective behind the establishment of the Tata

Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Bombay in 1936 was to train people

to work in Indian conditions. Gauri Rani Banerjee was one of the

pioneers of professional social work in India. After the establishment of

TISS, it remained the only institute of social work for almost a decade. In

the subsequent years, there was spurt of several institutions.

At present, a number of universities and institutions offer graduate, post

graduate, M. Phil and Ph.D. level training in Social Work. The

introduction of social work at the higher secondary level resulted in many

changes in the field of social work training and practice.

4.4. HINDUISM AND SOCIAL WORK:

The term ‘Hinduism’ refers to the various forms of religious and

philosophical beliefs practiced by the indigenous people of India since

the Vedic period. Hinduism is considered as one of the oldest religious

practices among the human civilizations. It is considered not only as

religion but also viewed as a philosophy and way of life. The Hindu

philosophy propagates the values of self-less social service,

compassion, mutual aid and interdependence, unconditional love for the

vulnerable groups and concerns for the community which are considered

important in social work education and practice. The Bhagwat Gita also

prescribes selflessness, duty, devotion and meditation. The

48
Mahabharata also describes the essence of the eternal religion, non-

violence, truth and conquest of anger. Hinduism propagates for Bhakti

(Devotion), Dharma (Righteousness), and Yoga (discipline) for the

service of humanity. The law of karma in the Hinduism refers to a moral

law which calls for social responsibility. The practice of dharma denotes

a life of truth, non-violence, compassion, welfare for others and offering

self-less service to society. Social workers should maintain benevolent

purpose towards their clients for the solution of their problems in a

responsible and sacred manner. Serving and helping the needy have

been greatly embedded and valued in the Indian religious texts and

cultures. Daan (charity) was considered as the most potent way of

earning ‘Punya’ or blessings from the God. Padmapuranam mentions,

that those who always feed the crippled, the blind, the children, the old,

the ill and those who help the helpless will enjoy bliss in heaven after

death’. The respect of people maintained as a fundamental belief in

friendly work is really the principal faith in Hinduism.

Following are a portion of the significant characteristics recorded

in the sacred texts:

¾ Ahimsa (peacefulness) – in view of the ideas of a man and

resurrection.

¾ Sam sweet potato (control of brain and the faculties) – thought

about fundamental principles for any type of ethical quality

¾ Resistance – of various convictions, sentiments, strict customs

and people.

49
 ¾ Neighbourliness – exhibiting unselfishness, and the worth of

administration.

¾ Empathy – in light of thoughts of the atman; a capacity to feel for

others as we feel for ourselves.

¾ Insurance – offering asylum to other people, particularly those

who have regard for every living being; for holiness of life.

¾ Shrewdness – information is stood out from obliviousness;

capacity to filter out good and bad.

¾ Grimness – Down to earth where intelligence and order in

expansion to the hypothetical information.

¾ Abstinence – significant for otherworldly life; just one of the four

ashramas where grihasthya-allowed sexual satisfaction.

¾ Trustworthiness – to keep away from self-trickiness; crucial for

fabricate trust inside connections.

¾ Neatness – incorporates outer cleanliness and internal

immaculateness.

¾ Good cause – "Noble cause given out of obligation, without

assumption for return, at the legitimate time and spot, what's

more, to a commendable individual is viewed as in the nature of

goodness." (Bhagwat Gita, less lucky.

4.5. CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL WORK

In order to initiate discussion on Christianity and social work we

will briefly discuss the social teachings of Christianity in terms of its

values, principles, beliefs and practices. Every religion has social

50
teachings. It gets expressed through a variety of social concerns. The

social vision of Christianity is from its scriptures, theology, social

teachings and the historical development. The emergence of liberation

of theology in the latter part of the twentieth century took Christianity to

concrete forms of social action for social transformation. It would be

suitable at this stage to introduce a brief record of exercises embraced

by the preachers in India. As indicated by the data made accessible by

the Catholic Bishops Conference Gathering of India (CBCI), the pinnacle

body of the Catholic Church in India, Christians are associated with

training from pre-essential to school college level; medical services

including clinical schools, clinics and medical services facilities; care of

vagrants, widows, disease patients, helps casualties, road youngsters,

desperate ladies, booked ranks/clans and other socially impeded

segments of the general public. While the CBCI has twelve commissions

tending to the issues of explicit objective gatherings, the non-Catholic

Christians are similarly dynamic the nation over broadening the much-

required consideration and backing to the penniless. Around 80 for each

penny of the administrations being given by the Christian preachers are

in the rustic area. In India also the Christian religious organizations have

played a major role in the development of social work. The major

schools of social work in India were founded under the auspices of

Christian missionaries and they combined a religious orientation with

secular professional education.

Missionaries of the American Marathi Mission established the

first school of social work in Asia – Tata Institute of Social Sciences

(TISS) at Mumbai. It was Dr. Manshardt a Christian missionary of the

51
Marathi mission who conceived the idea, prepared the blue print of TISS

and provided leadership during its formation stage. Among other

schools, the Delhi School of Social Work (presently Department of

Social Work) at Delhi University was founded by the Young Women’s

Christian Association (YWCA), Center for Studies in Rural Development,

Ahmednagar was founded by the Missionaries of American Marathi

Mission, Nirmala Niketan at Mumbai, Loyola College at Chennai and

Trivendrum, Madras Christian College in Tamil Nadu, Rajgiri College of

Social Work in Kerala, Indore School of Social Work in Madhya Pradesh

and Stella Maris in Tamil Nadu are some of the prominent Institutes of

Social Work started by Christians. The contribution of Christianity is

found in most of the fields of social work in India.

4.6. ISLAM AND SOCIAL WORK

Concept of Social Work in Islam: It is necessary to understand the two

terms; Social Work and Islam so as to reach a refined and absolute

perspective. Islam is a religion of humanity. Islam considers serving

others as a great act of worship. According to the teachings of Islam, it is

only in serving people that we shall have a share in Allah’s Mercy. And

an individual should lead his life as well-wisher to all, ready to help

everyone, accepting others’ rights over his own possessions. All the

teachings of Islam are based on two principles; worship of Allah and

serving to humanity. Without putting both of these principles into

practice, there can be no true fulfillment of one’s religious duties. By

serving human beings on the one hand (Muslim) please their Lord; Allah,

and on the other hand they achieve spiritual progress for themselves.

Doing good and talking in a good manner with parents, relatives and

52
orphans, is actually what Islam prescribes and appreciates a Muslim to

do. Islam not only glorifies and professes the oneness of Allah in the

form of worshipping Him alone, but it also teaches Muslims the ways to

live and perform in a better way in a society. Allah has strongly

encouraged selflessness towards all the individuals living in a society; In

other words, Allah is reminding Muslims that their worship is incomplete

without helping deeds. Therefore after having believed in Allah, the

angels, the Prophets, the Books and the last Day of Judgment, a Muslim

must translate his Eeman (Faith) into the actions of service to humanity.

Allah has provided a proper way to help people, and Zakah is among the

one by which a poor or needy gets benefitted. Zakah is one of the pillars

of Islam which sets to provide economic justice in the society. Zakah

means purity and cleanliness. It is a portion which is set apart from

wealth for needy and the poor people. In Islam, Muslims are directed to

give proper structure to a financial institution known as Bait-Ul-Maal

where Muslims keep Zakah, donations, charity etc. Bait-Ul-Maal (house

of wealth) was first established by the second Caliph of Islam Umar Bin

Khattaab with the aim to reach needy and poor people by distributing

Zakah. Another aim of the establishment of this institution is to alleviate

the problems of those people belonging to the underprivileged and

marginalized sections of the society. Islam is essentially a religion of

Peace and Love. It teaches love and compassion for all, irrespective of

their religious belief. The spirit of love is not confined to the world of

human beings, but it is extended to the kingdom of animals as well. Man

owes obligations to human beings as well as animals. And the

obligations of a person to person, is to identify the problems and to solve

them. Kindness is a divine attribute. Moreover, social work talks about

53
making people aware of their potentials, capabilities, talents etc. so that

they’ll become self-sufficient and independent enough to take decisions

important in their life. Similarly Islam has never called upon Muslims to

lead a life of dependence on charity. Islam, likewise social work, also

focuses on the innate strengths of an individual and simultaneously

endeavors to make his way out of all the weaknesses and threats. Allah

commands justice and good conduct and giving to relatives, and forbids

immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that

perhaps you will be reminded. (Chapter 16, Verse 90). This verses and

traditions (Hadith) talk about the meaning of justice and injustice in

Islam. In the above verses, there are two instructions for the believers on

which depends the first establishment of a just social order. In the first

place they (believers) have been commanded to deal out just in

distributing the rights of their fellow beings. The claims of every

individual should be so determined as to ensure his moral, social,

economic, legal, political and personal rights. Secondly the believers

have been ordered to do good to the fellow creatures. Being at the

primary levels in the teachings of Islam; serving family, neighbors,

travellers, underprivileged, etc. and giving Sadaqah (charity) in the form

of Zakah, donations etc. are the attributes which constitute the highest

levels in Islam or we would say the both qualities are what Islam strongly

commands Muslims to do on regular basis. At the secondary level, it is

to nurture the innate capacities of helpless and disadvantaged lot, and

extend, in true fulfillment and enjoyment, the rights of all individuals in

society irrespective of their belief, and thus implies the meaning and

description of the Social Work in Islam.

54
4.7. BUDDHISM AND SOCIAL WORK

In Buddhism social government assistance is considered as the

work done in various structures proposed to serve humanity. Such work

goes from a basic person of good cause, educating and preparing to

coordinated administration in various demonstrations structures for the

advancement of the local area which are normal spaces of social work

mediation. Buddhism is a subtle religion. It accepts that the world where

we live, is distress loaded and what's more, is feasible to rise above it.

Buddhism, is fundamentally worried about ways and intends to dispose

of this distress. It is in this setting that the possibility of social help as far

as Buddhism becomes significant. Gautam Buddha plainly called

attention to that the situation of man relied upon his lead. This implied

that it was an individual's mentality and conduct (karma) which made a

man unrivalled or mediocre. The Buddha had a positive furthermore,

progressive mentality towards ladies. The Buddha opened the entryways

of his Samgha and Dharma for the equivalent advantage of the two

people – a place that was extraordinary for the time and was seen as

revolutionary also, risky by his faultfinders. Appropriation of such a

position mirrors an endeavour with respect to the Buddha to find

temperance and profound potential past regular sex mutilations.

4.8 CONTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL MOVEMENTS

IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

The term, social movements, refers to a kind of group action.

They are huge, informal, assemblage of persons or establishments that

are directed towards certain issues related to politics and the society. To

put it across in a different way, they bring about, or put-up resistance

55
against specific policies or practices, or undo a social change. A reform

movement is a kind of social movement that aims at making a gradual

change in certain aspects of society, rather than rapid or fundamental

changes. The work of Raja Rammohan Roy, who sowed the seeds of

social and religious change, can be traced back to the beginnings of the

social reform movements. For nearly a century, reformers such as

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Jyotibhai Phule, Sashipada Banerjee,

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami

Vivekanda, and Balsashtri Jambedkar worked in various parts of the

Country for more than a century. Social movements are a collective term

used to describe all enterprises that establish a new style of life. They

originate from a condition of unrest and derive their motive power from

dissatisfaction, with the current form of life and from wishes and hopes

for a new scheme or system of living. In its beginning, a social

movement is shapeless, poorly organized and without any form.

4.9. Arya Samaj and Brahma Samaj: The Arya Samaj is a reform

movement and a religious/social organization which was formally

established in Bombay in 1875 by Swami Dayananda Saraswathi (1824-

1883). He was an adamant follower, exponent, and practitioner of the

Vedas of the unadulterated Truth as handed down from Guru to disciple

since the beginning of time. Swami Dayananda had absolutely no

craving for worldly applause and was completely unconcerned and

unperturbed by the censure of the superstitious, the ignorant, and the

selfish. Swami Dayanada spoke the Truth and practiced it too.

4.9.1. Brahma Samaj: Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) founded the

Brahmo Sabha in August 1828; it was later renamed Brahmo Samaj.

56
The Samaj was committed to “the worship and adoration of the Eternal,

Unsearchable, Immutable Being who is the author and Preserver of the

Universe”. Prayers, Meditations and reading of the Upanishads were to

be the forms of worship and no forms of a graven image, statute or

sculpture, carvings, paintings, picture, portraits etc. were to be allowed in

the Samaj buildings, thus underlining the Samaj’s opposition to idolatry

and meaningless rituals. The long-term agenda of Brahmo Samaj was to

purify Hinduism and to preach monotheism. This long-terms agenda was

based on twin pillars of reason and Vedas and The Samaj kept its

emphasis on human dignity, opposition to idolatry and criticism of social

evils such as Sati. Maharishi Debendranath Tagore gave a new life to

the movement when the joined it in 1843.

4.9.3. Chipko Movement: With the conclusion of the Sino-Indian

border conflict in 1963, the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh experienced a

growth in development, especially in the rural Himalayan regions. The

interior roads built for the conflict attracted many foreign-based logging

companies that sought access to the region’s vast forest resources.

Although the rural villagers depended heavily on the forests for

subsistence both directly, for food and fuel, and indirectly, for services

such as water purification and soil stabilization, government policy

prevented the villagers from managing the lands and denied them

access to the lumber. Many of the commercial logging endeavours were

mismanaged, and the clear-cut forests led to the lower agricultural

yields, erosion, depleted water resources, and increased flooding

throughout much of the surrounding areas.

57
4.9.2. NARMADHA Bachao Andolan Movement: Narmada is India’s

largest west flowing river, which supports a large variety of people with

distinguished culture and tradition ranging from the indigenous (tribal)

people inhabited in the jungles to a large number of the rural population.

Narmada Bachao Andolan is the most powerful mass movement, started

in 1985, against the construction of a huge dam on the Narmada river.

As per the Narmada Dam Project, the plan was to build over 3000 big

and small dams along the river. The proposed Sardar Sarovar Dam and

Narmada Sagar were to displace more than 250,000 people. The big

fight of the Save the Narmada Movement was over the resettlement or

the rehabilitation of these people.

LET US SUM UP

Serving the needy and helping one’s fellowmen have been

virtues greatly valued in the Indian religious culture and in the society. If

we unravel the religious scriptures in India, we can find that all the Indian

religions have emphasized charity and human service. Devotion and

service towards one’s fellowmen,Voluntary social work in India is greatly

influenced by the religious obligation manifested in the rituals and

practices like arranging food for the beggars, priests and destitute,

donating for social service in the name of the deceased parents or other

relatives etc. in this process it is seen that throughout the 18th century

poverty was dealt by traditional means like individual philanthropy and

religious charity.

Religious traditions, philanthropy, material helps, religious organizations’

missionary zeal, the government's devotion to public interest, the profit-

making urge of the company, the welfare of social superiors, and the

58
motive of self-help among fellowmen are all expressed in voluntarism in

India.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Who is the founder of Brahmo Samaj and mention the periodical

published by him?

2. What were the three major terms/ practices that led to the emergence

of charity in the Vedic period?

3. What were the two entryways as guided by Buddha for the advantage

of the people?

GLOSSARY

Philosophy : ideolgy, doctrine.

Feudal : a type of social and political system in

which landholders provide land to tenants

in exchange for their loyalty and service.

Reform : amend, improve, rehabilitate.

Charity : donation, philanthropy.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Brahmo samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the periodical

published by him is Samvada Kaumudi.

Yajna, Punya and Dharma were the practices in the Vedic period that

led to the emergence of charity in the social work.

59
The Buddha opened the entryways of his Samgha and Dharma for the

equivalent advantage of the two people a place that was extraordinary

for the time and was seen as revolutionary also, risky by his faultfinders.

References and suggested reading

https://ddceutkal.ac.in/Syllabus/MSW/PAPER-1.pdf

https://www.socialworkfootprints.org/articles/social-work-in-india-a-semi-

profession

https://bit.ly/3brHFHS

http://www.newdelhitimes.com/relevance-of-hinduism-in-social-work-

education/

https://myindianacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Unit-10-

Christianity-and-Social-Work.pdf

Author is an Independent Researcher and Professional Social Worker

based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, UNDERSTANDING THE

CONCEPT OF SOCIAL WORK IN ISLAM,

https://oracleopinions.com/2017/11/15/understanding-concept-social-

work-islam/

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Contribution of social and political movements in the development of

social work.

2. Write an essay on contribution of Religious movements towards the

development of professional social Work in India.

60
UNIT - 5

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

5.1 Development of Social work in the United Kingdom

5.2 Formation of Charity Organization Societies

5.2.1 Settlement House Movement

5.2.2 1900 A.D

5.3.2 During British period and present scenario

5.3. Historical development of Social work in the USA

5.3.1. Alms- House

5.3.2. Poor Relief

5.3.3. Private Charities

5.4 .Three Social movements

5.4.1. The charity Organization society

5.4.2. Settlement House Movement

5.4.3. Child Welfare Movement

5.5. History of Social Work Profession in India

5.5.1. Social Reforms in Ancient Period (2500 BC-AD

1200)

5.5.2. Social Reform in Medieval Period

61
 5.5.3. Social Reform in Modern Period

5.6. Social work in India Today

5.6.1. Contributions of Organizations

5.6.2. Social Work Education in India

Let us sum up

Check your progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Social work has its roots in the attempts of up lifting the society at

large to deal with the problems of poverty and inequality. Social work is

intricately linked with the idea of charity work; but must be understood in

broader terms. The concept of charity goes back to the ancient times,

and the practice of providing for the poor has roots in all the major world

religions. Professional social work originated in the 19th century

England, and had its roots in the social and economic upheaval wrought

by the Industrial Revolution, in particular the societal struggle to deal

with the resultant mass urban-based poverty and its related problems.

in this unit we will look at how social work has historically evolved in

United Kingdom, USA and India.

62
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This chapter would enable a better understanding of the following:

x Historical development of Social work in the United Kingdom and

on Elizabethan poor law.

x The student will be able know the major three social movement

that contributed to the development of Social Work in USA.

x History of Social work in the Indian History to the modern day

social work practiced in India.

5.1. Development of Social Work in the United Kingdom:

The need to help other people is stressed by the major religions.

During the Elizabethan period the needy people were helped by the

authorities. Such charity works are called 'relief of the paupers'. The

Victorian reformers who were distressed by poverty, child neglect and

other social ills were pioneers in many of today's social welfare services,

although they too had called such services by various other names such

as organized charity or philanthropic work or 'relief of destitution'. The

history of social work in UK had gone through various phases.

a. A.D 1200 to 1500:

From the beginning of religion, the priests assumed leadership in

providing protection for the helpless widows, orphans and the sick.

Charity was promoted primarily by the desire to receive the grace of God

to secure the merits of good deeds for eternal life. In the beginning of

the14th century the poor were divided into two categories; able-bodied

and the destitutes.

63
b. A.D 1501 to 1600

Citizens were discouraged from giving alms to the able-bodied

beggars. In 1531 Henry VI issued license for begging in restricted areas;

Punishment was given to those who violated the law. In1572, Queen

Elizabeth introduced a general tax for the protection of the poor and

appointed overseers of the poor. Thus, the government was held

responsible for the maintenance of the poor. The church, especially

monasteries played the role of relief centres to the destitute and the

disabled. Alms were collected and distributed by the parish and other

clergymen who knew the individual and his situation. The churches did

not make any effort to provide any permanent remedy for improving the

conditions of the poor. Later the responsibility was shifted from the

church to the Government.

c. A.D 1600 to 1800

Elizabethan Poor Law introduced in 1601 was a landmark in the

history of organized social welfare. This law ensured many relief

provisions for the eligible poor. The law also insisted the able-bodied

beggars to work in 'work houses'. The poor were divided into three

categories: able bodied, impotent poor and the dependent child. The

overseers of the poor were responsible for the execution of the poor law.

They verified eligibility and selected the applicants. The work house act

passed in 1692 made provisions for the training of the inmates of work

houses.

The table given below shows the classification of poor based on

Elizabethan Poor Law

64
Type Criteria

Able-Bodied Poor Forced to work in the house of

corrections or the work house, not

eligible to receive alms

Impotent Poor Unable to work and placed in alms

houses (sick, old, blind, deaf etc.

Dependent Child Orphans, the deserted, children

from very poor families.

d. A.D.1800 to 1900:

In this period social scientist Adam Smith stated that the

government should minimize its involvement in any field for any purpose

as it will lead to many dependencies. Malthus believes that 'if there were

a lot of free services, this will lead to the desire for more children'. So, he

recommended an end to the charity work. As per the recommendations

of the Royal Commission (1832) able-bodied people continued to work

in able bodied homes and better help for slum dwellers were provided in

1834. In the Factories Act (1833) only minimum welfare facilities were

provided to the industrial workers.

65
5.2. Formation of Charity Organization Societies:

The formation of the charity organization society was an important

milestone in the development of charity programmes. London Charity

Organization Society was the first such organization formed in the year

1869. They undertook the following strategies to help the needy

effectively.

i. stopped giving doles.

ii. co-ordinated the distribution of relief.

iii. verified each application carefully.

iv. conducted interviews to assess the genuineness of the

applicants.

v. formulated plans for the treatments.

5.2.1. Settlement House Movement:

Cannon Samuel Augustus Barnet founded the University

Settlement House which was named as Toynbee Hall. Its objectives

were: i. Educational and cultural development of the poor. ii. Imparting

information to the poor for their improvement. iii. Developing

consciousness towards health problems and the need for enacting

legislation.

5.2.2 A.D 1900:

1900 A.D 5.5.1 onwards Newly formed Charity Organisation

Societies (COS) started to practise professional social work and began

to provide training to social workers. In the year 1899 Social work

training was started and introduced. At the first two years training

programme in social work with theory and practice was started.

66
 – In the beginning of twentieth century England faced a big

unemployment problem.

– Royal commission on the Poor Law and Relief of Distress was

appointed in 1905 to solve the crisis.

– Royal commission on the Poor Law and Relief of Distress

recommended the following legislations

– The provision of Meals Act was passed in 1906

– The education Act was passed in 1907

– Prevention of Crime Act was passed in 1908

– The children Act was passed in 1912

– The Juvenile Court Metropolis Act was passed in 1920

– National Insurance Act was passed in 1911 to provide

compulsory health insurance of workers

– The widows, Orphans and Old Age Contributory Pension Act was

passed in 1925

– Local Government Act was passed in 1925

– In 1931, National Economy Act was passed

– Old age pension Act was passed in 1940.

5.3. Historical Development of Social Work in the USA:

The English Poor Law legislations and related developments

provided the background for the development of American systems of

relief. The colonists from England, who came in the early and mid-

seventeenth century, brought with them English laws, customs,

67
institutions and ideas and implanted them in America. From the

beginning of the seventeenth century the colonist from England and

other countries brought with them the customs, traditions, laws and

institutions from the mother country. The traditional resources of the

mother country such as church, charities, hospitals, and alms houses did

not exist in the settlements. According to the Elizabethan Poor Law, it is

the responsibility of the local church to take care of the destitute. Every

town made provisions to the maintenance of the poor by supplying food,

clothing, firewood and house hold essentials to persons with legal

settlements.

The earliest forms of social work activities were started in the USA from

time immemorial. The history of social work in the USA can be divided

into the following stages.

1. The Colonial Period (1620-1776)

2. Civil War and Industrial Revolutions (1776-1860)

3. The Industrialization -The human side (1860-1900)

4. Social work, seeking professional characteristics (1900-1930)

5. Highly professionalized discipline (1930-onwards)

5.3.1. Alms-house:

The introduction of alms-house care did not improve the

conditions of the poor. In alms-houses, old, sick, tramps, vagabonds,

blind, deaf-mutes, cripples, idiots and insane, orphans, foundlings,

unmarried mothers with their children, prostitutes, and criminals were all

put in these houses− often without separation of the sexes or age-

groups.

68
5.3.2. Poor Relief:

Private Charity Societies took initiatives to start orphanages and

asylums, because they objected to the placement of children and

helpless invalid and old people in mixed alms houses where they are

forced to live with people with other deviant behaviours. Private relief

societies were often affiliated with churches, fraternal orders or national

benevolent associations, and they became the leading progressive

element in American Social Welfare during the 19th century.

a. The states themselves assumed responsibility for certain classes

of the poor such as the insane, feeble-minded and convicted

offenders for whom there were no adequate facilities.

b. Some local public relief authorities, under the influence of state

boards of charity, began to question the old concepts of poor

relief….”

5.3.3. Private Charities:

After the reform in the poor relief act, private charities took the

lead role in addressing the issues of the disadvantaged. However, the

activities of these private or religious agencies were often limited to aid

for special local groups.In 1817 a constructive remedy for people in

economic need was set up, the New York Society for the Prevention of

Pauperism, aiming to scientifically understand the causes of poverty and

to develop a model for rehabilitation instead of mere palliative of

financial issues. The society assigned volunteers called ‘visitors of the

indigent’ as its agents. It established an employment bureau, a savings

bank and encouraged the foundation of Mutual Aid-Mutual Life

69
insurance groups to protect their members against economic hazards.

Church and Charitable Organizations Association for improving the

condition of the Poor was started in 1843 in New York. The Association

assigned ‘friendly visitors’ in every sub district of the city in order to

determine the need and the individual measures necessary in each

individual case.

5.4. Three Social Movements:

During the last half of the 19th century, the US experienced an increase

in social problems as a result of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and

immigration, together with the massive growth of the population. In

response to these problems, three social movements began that formed

the basis for the development of the social work profession:

1. The Charity Organization Societies (COS) movement, which

began in 1877 in Buffalo, New York:

2. The Settlement House movement, which began in 1886 in New

York City; and

3. The Child Welfare movement, which was a result of several

loosely related developments, notably the Children’s Aid Society

and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which

began in New York City in 1853 and 1875, respectively.

5.4.1. The Charity Organization Societies (COS) movement:

The settlement house movement and the child welfare

movement eventually made important contributions to the development

of the social work profession, but it is in the COS movement that the

70
origin of the profession is to be found. S. Humphreys Gurteen, an

English cleric who had been impressed with charity organization in

London, founded the first COS in the United States in Buffalo, New York,

in 1877. The Buffalo COS served as a model for rapid development of

similar organizations. Within 15 years, there were COS agencies in 92

American cities. The beginning of professional approach to the problems

of human need can be seen in the philosophy of COS movement. The

“scientific charity” attitude adopted by the COS enabled them to

understand and cure poverty and family disorganization rather than

merely assisting the poor. The charity organizations wanted to apply

science to social welfare in the same way that it had been applied to

medicine and engineering.

The COS leaders sought to replace chaotic charity with a rational

system that would stress investigation, coordination, and personal

service. Each case was to be considered individually, thoroughly

investigated and assigned to a “friendly visitor.” The techniques used by

the friendly visitors consisted of personal attributes such as sympathy,

tact, patience, and wise advice. The COS friendly visitors, most of them

women, are the true forerunners of today’s social workers.

Besides, the COS movement fostered the development of the family

service agencies of today, the practice of family casework, family

counselling, schools of social work, employment services, legal aid, and

many other programs which are a part and parcel of social work today.

5.4.2. Settlement House Movement:

Another significant development of social services in America

has been that of the social settlement house. Settlement houses in the

71
United States began in the late 1800s and were modelled after Toynbee

Hall, founded in England in 1884 by Samuel Barnett. Many settlement

houses were established in cities across the country, including

Chicago’s Hull House, started by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr in

1889. The settlement house movement, which combined social

advocacy and social services, was a response to the social

disorganization that resulted from widespread industrialization,

urbanization and immigration. Through group work and neighbourhood

organizing strategies, the settlement house workers established

neighbourhood centres and offered services such as citizenship training,

adult education, counselling, recreation, and day care.

The settlement house workers were young, idealistic college graduates

from wealthy families who lived among the poor as “settlers” and thereby

experienced the harsh realities. For the most part, they were volunteers

and community leaders and not employed as social work professionals.

The settlement house leaders believed that by changing neighbourhood

they can improve communities and by changing communities they can

develop a better society. The seeds of social work methods, namely,

Group Work, Social Action and Community Organization, were thus

sown in the settlement house movement.

5.4.3. Child Welfare Movement:

The Children’s Aid Society (1853) and the Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Children (1875) which began in New York City

formed the basic elements of a child welfare movement. However, the

beginnings of the Child Welfare movement can be traced back to 1729

when the Ursuline sisters established an institution in New Orleans for

72
children of parents massacred by Indians. The child welfare agencies

had limited aims. They were basically concerned with “rescuing” children

from inadequate homes or from the streets and finding for them

wholesome living situations. Once their goals were accomplished, the

agencies considered their job

5.5. History of Social Work profession in India:

Social work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks

to improve the quality and wellbeing of individuals, groups, and

communities through research, policy, community organizing, direct

practice, crisis intervention, and teaching for the benefit of those

affected by social disadvantages such as poverty, mental and physical

illness or disability, and, social injustice including violations of their civil

liberties and human rights Social work profession began to lean heavily

on the patterns and institutions developed in the west and specially in

the United States.

5.5.1. Social Reforms in Ancient Period (2500 BC-AD 1200):

In ancient India, the nature of social service was that of charity.

The earliest reference to charity is to be found in the Rig Veda which

encourages charity by saying ''May the one who gives, shine the most".

Upanishad prescribed that every house holder must practise charity. In

ancient India social welfare activities were performed by Yagnas. Each

one contributed his bit towards the Yagnas. The intention was the

welfare of all. Yagnas Halas were classrooms where men and women

were taught the spirit of working together. Bhagavat Gita insists that the

privileged class has a moral duty to serve the poor. Such persons who

served the society with all their ability were free from all sins. But those

73
who cooked for themselves or produced for their own gain were eating

sin (Gita chap-3-13) According to Manu it was his duty to feed his guests

first, then his servant, he and his wife might eat last of all. Charity or

dana became the instrument of virtue of the privileged sections and it

was to be dispensed voluntarily. Later in the Vedic period dana became

institutionalized and came to be associated with religious ideology. Dana

was given to acquire punya (merit). Kaudilya highlights the duties of the

king towards the welfare and happiness of his subjects, ''In the

happiness of the subjects lies the king's happiness.'

5.5.2. Social Reform in Medieval Period:

The duties of a King included the maintenance of peace,

protection from external attack and to provide justice. Malik Ali, a noble

of Balban, was more generous in giving alms. Giyas Udheen Thuglak

was charitable and King Muhammud Gavan spent all his wealth on the

poor and led a simple life. Humayun was the first king who made a bold

attempt to prohibit sati. Akbar was a great ruler who brought about many

reforms in Indian society and abolished slavery in 1583. He maintained a

policy of religious equality and granted full freedom to his subjects on

religious matters.

5.5.3. Social Reform in Modern Period:

Rajaram Mohan Roy was the greatest Indian reformas of the

19th century. He was the morning star of the Indian renaissance who

sowed the seeds of religious and social reform. He used his power and

influence towards the abolition of sati and he was in favour of widow

remarriage and female education. Ishwarhandra Vidya Sagar advocated

widow remarriage, economic self-reliance, women’s education and

74
prohibition of polygamy. It was with the joint effort of Mohan Roy and

Vidyasagar that the Widow Remarriage Act was passed in 1856.

Professor Bal Shasthri Jain Bhaker of Bombay fought against the evil

customs like sati, female infanticide etc. and tried to frame laws to

abolish these customs. Gopal Hari Desh Mukh of Bombay promoted

modern education, established dispensaries, maternity homes,

orphanages etc. Sasipade Banerjee was a notable reformer of Bengal

who worked for the cause of women’s education and widow remarriage.

He arranged several marriages of widows and gave shelter to widows at

his residence. Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan played a prominent role for the

education of women and to wipe out social evils among the Muslims.

Gandhiji became active in political as well as social fields in 1920. He

symbolized the integration of political reform with social reform. He

worked for the upliftment of women, dalits and fought for the equality

between men and women. He emphasized the need for freedom from

evils along with political independence. The contribution of Gandhiji like

Sarvodaya, Andhyodaya, Non-violence struggle, Panchyathiraj are

closely related with the philosophies of social work.

5.6. Social work in India Today:

Modern social work was introduced in India by Christian

Missionaries in the beginning of the 19 centuries. When they started

making houses for orphans and destitute, Indian social reformers like

Sasipada Banerjee, Phule and Karve too started homes for the widows.

Some social and religious associations like Arya Samaj, Prarthana

Samaj and Ramakrishna Mission played significant roles in providing

institutional welfare service in India.

75
5.6.1. Contributions of Organizations:

The important organizations like Brahma Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Arya

Samaj, Theosophical Society, Ramakrishna Mission, Muhammedan

Anglo Oriental Society, etc. played significant role in the development of

social work. Brahma Samaj was founded by Rajaram Mohan Roy and

worked for the abolition of Sati, promotion of widow remarriage and for

women’s welfare. Arya Samaj was founded by Swamy Dayananda

Saraswathy in 1875. He opposed the caste system and child marriage.

Muhammedan Anglo Oriental Society was founded by Sir Sayyid

Ahammed Khan. Theosophical society was founded in 1881 in Madras

by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott. Ramakrishna Mission

founded by Swami Vivekananda in1897 started its programmes with

education, treatment and general help. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

established the Servants of India Society for social service.

5.6.2. Social Work Education in India:

The formal training in social work was started in India in 1936 at

Dhorabji Tata School of Social Work at Mumbai. Now it is a deemed

university named Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). In Kerala, the

first school of social work training was started in 1954 at the Sacred

Heart College, Thevara, which later shifted to Rajagiri College of Social

Science, Kalamassery. At present a number of universities and

institutions are offering graduate, post graduate, M. Phil and Ph. D level

training in social work. The introduction of social work at the higher

secondary level resulted in many changes in the field of social work

training and practice in Kerala. In a developing country like India, social

workers have a major role in the socio-economic, cultural, health and

76
related areas. The major associations of social work are NAPSWI

(National Association of Professional Social Workers in India), ASSK

(Association of Schools of Social Work in Kerala), and KAPS (Kerala

Association of Professional Social Work).

Let’s Sum Up

This unit had coved the historical development of Social Work in

UK, USA and India Social work’s increasing role in the society made it

imperative that a formal system of education should be created that

would train social workers to perform their functions effectively. The first

university to introduce formal education on this subject was Columbia

University. It offered a six-week training programme in 1896 for the

volunteers who were working in the welfare sector. Gradually, the

number of courses that were offered on this subject increased.

Scope of social work is very immense today. It may also imply to the

areas or fields where social work can be applied by using its methods,

tools and techniques. Social work as professional practice extends from

a single individual to the largest body like the UNO.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What is Elizabethan poor law means?

2) Which was the first school of social work in India?

3) When did the modern social work evolve?

GLOSSARY

Philanthropic : Altruistic.

77
Distress : anguish, anxiety.

Vagabond : wanderer, gypsy.

Pauperism : bankruptcy, starvation.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR

1. Provisions of the Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601. It consolidated all the

previous legislation into one massive law and made provision for. a

compulsory poor rate to be levied on every parish. the creation of

'Overseers' of relief. the 'setting the poor on work'

2. The formal training in social work was started in India in 1936 at

Dhorabji Tata School of Social Work at Mumbai. Now it is a deemed

university named Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

3. Modern social work evolved in the nineteenth century to address the

problems created by the emergence of the industrial society. While it is

true that all religious traditions had a history of individuals and

institutions helping the lesser fortunate. It is only in the modern society

that ‘helping’ became a profession. Social work turned into a profession

as a consequence of societal change.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://www.slideshare.net/PrinceSolomon1/history-of-social-

work

x https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/faq/what-is-the-history-

of-the-social-work-profession

78
 x https://socialworkbhu.blogspot.com/2013/12/history-of-social-

work-in-united-states.html

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Elaborate the development of Social work in the United Kingdom.

2. Write a short note on alms House and Poor relief in the USA.

3. Explain the three social movements in the development of Social

Work.

4. Write briefly about the status of Social work in India today.

79
UNIT - 6

DEMOGRAPHY OF INDIAN SOCIETY

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

6.1. Definition of Demography

6.2. Demographic Characteristics of Indian Society

6.2.1. Size and Shape of Population

6.2.2. Aspects Related to Birth Rate and Death Rate

6.2.3. Composition and Density of Population

6.2.4. Socio-Economic Problems

6.2.5. Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects

6.3. Regular Concepts of Population

6.4. Complexity of Indian Society

6.4.1. Caste and Classes

6.4.2. Village structures and Unity

6.4.3. Urban Life

Let us sum up

Check to progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Suggested Readings

80
 Model Questions

OVERVIEW

Demography is the methodical investigation of the number of

inhabitants in a nation, territory, local area, and so forth, the term is of

Greek beginning and is made out of the two words, demos (individuals)

and graphene (portray). Demography considers the patterns and cycles

related with populace incorporating several changes in the populace

size; examples of births, passing’s, and relocation; and the design and

synthesis of the populace, like the overall extents of ladies, men and

diverse age gatherings. This modern and rapidly expanding field of

government activity necessitated the collection of social statistics or

quantitative data on various aspects of the population and economy on a

frequent and systematic basis. The tradition of the state collecting social

data is much older, but it took on its current form towards the end of the

eighteenth century.

There are two types of demography:

1. Formal Demography: factual examination of populace i.e.,

absolute populace, number of guys, number of females, number

of youths, working populace, rustic metropolitan (quantitative

information)

2. Social Demography: rate of birth, demise rate and relocation

that occurs in a specific culture.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By this chapter will enable better understanding of the following;

81
 x Demographic Characteristics of Indian Society and its

significance

x The complexity in understanding Indian society.

x basic concepts on Demography and concepts of population.

6.1. Definition of Demography:

x The Oxford Dictionary of Economics defines demography as

“The study of the characteristics of human populations.”

According to the UN Multilingual Demographic Dictionary,

“Demography is the scientific study of human populations,

primarily with respect to their size, their structure and their

development.”

x According to Barckley, “The numerical portrayal of human

population is known as demography.” Similarly, according to

Thomson and Lewis, “The population student is interested in

population’s size, composition and distribution; and the changes

in these aspects through time and causes of these changes.”

6.2. Demographic Characteristics of Indian Society

6.2.1. Size and Shape of Population:

Generally, the size of the population means the total number of

persons who reside in a definite area at a definite time. The size and

shape of population of any region, state or nation are changeable. It is

because every country has its own unique customs, specialties, social-

economic conditions, cultural atmosphere, moral values, and different

standards for acceptance of artificial means of family planning and

availability of health facilities, etc.

82
All these factors affect the size and shape of the population and if these

factors are studied with reference to any area under demography, we

can clearly understand the role they play in determining the shape and

size of the population.

6.2.2. Aspects Related to Birth Rate and Death Rate:

Birth rate and death rate are the decisive factors that influence

the size and shape of the population and therefore their importance in

population studies is crucial. In addition to these, factors like marriage

rate, belief regarding social status and marriage, age of marriage,

orthodox customs related to marriage, early marriage and its effects on

the health of the mother and the child, child infanticide rate, maternal

death, still birth, resistance power, level of medical services, availability

of nutritious food, purchasing power of the people, etc. also affect the

birth and death rate.

6.2.3. Composition and Density of Population:

In the subject matter of demography, the study of composition

and density of population is important. In the composition of population

factors like the sex ratio, race wise and age- group wise size of

population, the ratio of rural and urban population, distribution of

population according to religion and language, occupational distribution

of population, agricultural and industrial structure and per sq. km. density

of population are very important.

With this type of information regarding the possibilities of

development in that particular area, social-economic problems of the

83
area, problems created due to increase in urban population, and density

of population form part of population studies.

Generally, the size of population means the total number of

persons who reside in a definite area at a definite time. The size and

shape of population of any region, state or nation are changeable. It is

because every country has its own unique customs, specialties, social-

economic conditions, cultural atmosphere, moral values, and different

standards for acceptance of artificial means of family planning and

availability of health facilities, etc.\

6.2.4. Socio-Economic Problems:

Out of the many problems relating to population growth, the

effects of high density due to industrialization in the urban areas are of

more importance as they affect the socio-economic life of the people.

Problems like slum areas, polluted air and water, crime, addiction to

liquor, juvenile delinquency, and prostitution, are also important subjects

of study in demography.

6.2.5. Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects:

Along with the quantitative problems of population, the qualitative

problems also form part of population studies. Moreover, the study of

demography includes the availability of physicians in the total population,

number of hospitals, the number of beds in hospitals, expectation of life

at birth, daily availability of minimum calories, resistance power,

advertisement of family planning programme and its development, the

84
changes brought in the attitudes of people regarding child birth and

adequate medical facility for delivery, etc.

6.3 Regular Concepts of Population:

x Rate of birth: Number of live births per thousand populaces.

x Passing Rate: Amount of passing’s per thousand populaces.

Likewise called death rate.

x Pace of common increment: Difference between rate of birth

and demise rate around there.

x Substitution Level: Present age replaces the past/more

seasoned age.

x Zero level: Replacement is same. Same numbers of individuals

supplant the same number of more established age called

balanced out level (guardians supplanted by 2 kids).

x Antagonistic level: Number of individuals supplanting more

seasoned age are less (guardians supplanted by youngster).

x Populace blast: Number of individuals supplanting the more

established age is more. Working populace is more than the

reliant populace.

x Fruitfulness Rate: Number of live births between the age of 15-

49 yrs. for every thousand ladies.

x All out-Fertility Rate: Number of ladies who bring forth

youngsters in a specific region at a specific age (15-49 yrs.)

x Baby Mortality Rate: Number of babies who have kicked the

bucket underneath the age of 1 for each thousand live births.

x Maternal Mortality Rate: Number of ladies who bite the dust

during labour per thousand populaces.

85
 x Future Rate: Number of years that one is relied upon to live as

controlled by measurements might be separately qualified by the

individual's condition, race, sex, age or other segment factors.

x Sex Ratio: Number of females per thousands of guys.

x Age structure: The design of the populace as far as age (in

India 0-15 = youth, 15-65 = Working populace, over 64 years =

subordinate populace)

x Reliance Ratio: The quantity of individuals who are not working

and are subject to the functioning populace. Proportion of the

reliant populace to the functioning populace is higher.

x Segment Dividend: When the functioning populace in a nation is

more than the ward non-working populace. Positive: Economic

development for the country despite the fact that it is a brief

stage.

6.4. Complexity of Indian Society

Indian culture is a pluralistic culture with a perplexing social

request portrayed by a huge number of ethnic, phonetic, strict, and rank

divisions. It includes individuals living in provincial, metropolitan,

ancestral setting and all areas which convey the ethos of Indianness. In

the midst of the intricacies thus much variety among the country, broadly

acknowledged social subjects, the sensation of unity, fraternity, and

upsides of constitution ties people and improve social amicability and

request. Indian culture is an embodiment of multicultural, multi-ethnic

and multi-philosophical develops, which exist together, immediately

endeavoring to strike amicability and furthermore to hold its uniqueness.

86
6.4.1. Caste and Classes

x Varnas and Divisions:

Social disparity exists all through the world, however maybe no place

has imbalance and has been so extravagantly built as in the Indian

foundation. Rank has existed for a long time, however in the cutting-

edge time frame it has been seriously condemned and is going through

critical change.

Positions are based on names, endogamous (in-wedding)

gatherings, enrollment that is accomplished by birth. There are a large

number of ranks and subcastes in India, including countless individuals.

These huge family relationship-based gatherings are principal to the

South Asian social construction. Standing enrollment gives a feeling of

having a place with a perceived gathering from whom backing can be

anticipated in an assortment of circumstances.

In rural areas, many low-caste people still suffer from landlessness,

unemployment, and discriminatory practices. In the growing cities,

however, caste affiliations are often unknown to the casual associates,

and traditional restrictions on intercaste interactions are fading fast. In

some urban circles, intercaste marriages linking people of similar class

status have become acceptable. Correlations between caste and

occupations are declining rapidly.

Most Indians reside in villages, where caste and class affiliations

overlap. Large landholders are overwhelmingly upper caste, and small-

scale farmers of the middle caste, while landless laborers typically

belong to the lowest-ranking castes. These groups tend to form a three-

87
level class system of stratification in the rural areas, and members of the

groups are drawing together within regions across caste lines in order to

enhance their economic and political power. For example, since the late

1960s, some of the middle-ranking cultivating castes of northern India,

spurred by competition with higher-caste landed elites, have cooperated

politically in order to advance their common economic interests in cities.

The class lines adhere less obviously to the caste affiliations, as vested

interests strongly crosscut caste boundaries.

6.4.2. Village structures and Unity:

Customarily, towns frequently perceived a headman and a

panchayat, a committee made out of significant men. Normally, debates

were mediated inside the town, with inconsistent response to the police

or courts. Today, the public authority upholds an elective panchayat and

a headman framework, which is unmistakable from the conventional

framework, and, by and large, orders the incorporation of individuals

who are ladies of low position.

As per a timetable turning at regular intervals, the top of the chamber of

a specific level of towns should be a lady or a Dalit. State and

government guidelines progressively encroach into town life, reducing

the conventional frameworks of power. Further, difference and

seriousness appear to have expanded in numerous pieces of provincial

India because of the extending contribution of the townspeople with the

more extensive world by means of movement, work, training, and TV,

and expanded tension ashore and assets as town populaces develop.

88
6.4.3. Urban Life:

The largest cities are densely populated, congested, noisy,

polluted, and deficient in clean water, electricity, sanitation, and decent

housing. Slums abound, often cheek-by-jowl with luxury apartment

buildings, with the roads overrun with pedestrians, cattle, refuse, and

vehicles spewing diesel fumes.

Traditional caste hierarchies are weak in cities, but caste ties

remain important, as scarce jobs are often obtained through caste

fellows, relatives, and friends. Ingenuity and tenacity characterize poor

urban workers supporting themselves through a multitude of tasks as

entrepreneurs, petty traders, and menial laborers.

Birth rate and death rate are the decisive factors that influence

the size and shape of the population and therefore their importance in

population studies is crucial. In addition to these, factors like marriage

rate, belief regarding social status and marriage, age of marriage,

orthodox customs related to marriage, early marriage and its effects on

the health of the mother and the child, child infanticide rate, maternal

death, still birth, resistance power, level of medical services, availability

of nutritious food, purchasing power of the people, etc. also affect the

birth and death rate.

The ranks of the growing middle class are increasingly evident in

cities, where educational and employment opportunities benefit them.

For them, as for all in the city, linkages are affirmed through

neighbourhood solidarity, voluntary associations, and festival

89
celebrations. Cities, of course, are the great hubs of commerce,

education, science, politics, and government, upon which the functioning

of the nation depends. India’s movie industry is the world’s largest,

centred in Mumbai and Chennai, and popular television stations are

proliferating. These bring vivid depictions of the urban lifestyles to the

small-town dwellers and villagers all over the country, affecting the

aspirations of millions.

The vast majority of the population of India has always lived in

the rural areas, and that continues to be true. According to the Census

of India 2011, more people are living in rural areas but the population of

urban areas has increased. Now 68.8% population lives in the rural

areas while 31.2% of people live in urban areas. The urban population

has gradually increased its share of the population, from about 11% at

the turn of the twentieth century to about 28% at the turn of the twenty-

first century, a two-and-a-half-fold increase. Agriculture used to be by far

the largest contributor to the country's overall economic activity, but it

now accounts for just around one-sixth of GDP. While the vast majority

of our people live in the rural areas and depend on agriculture for a

living, the relative economic value of what they produce has plummeted.

Social revolutions, too, receive the support of urban visionaries, such as

those shaping the growing women’s movement. Largely led by educated

urban women, the movement seeks gender justice on a wide variety of

issues, focusing particularly on the escalating issue of dowry-related

murders of young wives, which number in the thousands annually.

90
Let Us Sum Up:

The social structure and the demography of Indian society is

characterized by religious, regional, linguistic, communal and caste

diversities. All these factors determine the environment of Indian social

structure, social system and political system. All institutions are in a

position to continuously adjusting themselves to a changing society,

though there still exist many conflicts between them. The Socio-political

system is maintained stable despite these constraints.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. What is meant by birth rate and death rate?

Ans: Birth rate refers to the total number of births in a particular area,

whereas death rate refers to the number of deaths per thousand in a

particular year and particular area.

2. What do you mean by ‘sex ratio’?

Ans: Sex ratio refers to the number of females per thousand males in a

given area at a specified period of time.

3. What do you mean by Age structure?

Ans: It refers to the proportions of persons in different age groups

relative to the total population.

GLOSSARY

Factual : accurate, valid.

Infanticide : the intentional killing of infants or offspring.

91
Calories : A calorie is a unit of energy.

Antagonistic : showing or feeling active opposition or

hostility.

Mortality : the death of large numbers (as of people or

animals).

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Birth rate refers to the total number of births in a particular area,

whereas death rate refers to the number of deaths per thousand in a

particular year and particular area.

2. Sex ratio refers to the number of females per thousand males in a

given area at a specified period of time.

3. It refers to the proportions of persons in different age groups relative

to the total population.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x Demography: The Science of Population by Jay Weinstein and

Vijayan K. Pillai.

x Demography the study of Human Population by David Yaukey

and Douglas L. Anderton.

x https://www.sociologyguide.com/social-demography/index.php

x https://www.rug.nl/masters/ddm-social-demography/?lang=en

x https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lesy102.pdf

92
MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Define Demography.

2. What are the demographic characteristics of Indian Society.

3. Enumerate any five regular concepts of population.

4. Explain the complexity of Indian society.

93
UNIT - 7

PROFESSIONALIZATION OF SOCIAL WORK I

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

7.1. Concept of Social work

7.1.1 Basic methods

7.2. Characteristics of Social Work

7.3. Objectives of Social work

7.4. Three rings of Social Work:

7.5. Values of Social Work

7.6. Social Work Philosophy

7.6.1. Philosophy of Social work according to Herbert

Bison

7.7. Principles of social work

Let us sum up

Check your progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

94
OVERVIEW

Today, social work has emerged as a profession having a

systematic body of theory, authority, community sanction, an ethical

code of practice and a professional culture. However, social work is

more than an occupation where the skills can be learned through a

system of apprenticeship. Since the focus of social work is to help the

individuals to solve their problems and be self-reliant it calls for a

sensitive assessment of the level of change possible and mobilization of

forces within the society, the family and the industry. This unit aims at

studying the concepts of social work and its characteristics, Values and

principles.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this chapter, the student will be able to understand the following

x Social Work it's Meaning , Concepts and values

x The student will have a clear understanding about the major

Principles of social work.

x Will be able to elucidate on the objectives of social work and their

philosophy

7.1 Concept of Social Work

Social work is a helping profession that fundamentally and

radically aims to assist individuals, groups and community to cope with

their complex socio-economic psychological problems through enabling

themselves so that they can solve their problem by helping themselves.

95
According to one of the great pioneer Walter A Friedlander, social work

methods are divided into two parts. These are:

7.1.1 Basic methods:

It includes another three parts such as (1) social casework (2) social

group work (3) community social work.

Auxiliary methods:

It also includes 3 parts. These are, (1) social action (2) social

administration (3) social research.

Social work is a concept of the social science of doing well for

each other personally as well as collectively. It refers to a collective

approach of reducing suffering and disadvantages and increase the

happiness and advantages of the community members with the active

participation and involvement of individuals as well as government and

Non-government organisation.

The current definition is given by Social Scientists Skidmore and

Thakery. They said, “Social Work may bedefined as an art, a science a

profession that helps people to solve personal, group and community

problems and to attain satisfying personal, group and community

relationship through social work practice including casework and

community organization, administration and research.”

Every profession has its knowledge and practice based on which

the professionals of that profession engage them in human service, and

based on their knowledge and educational activities. In the same way,

social workers have to practice social work based on social work

educational activities.

96
High lighting the theoretical side W.A. Friedlander said, “Social work is a

professional service based upon scientific knowledge and skill in human

relations, which assists individual alone or in groups to obtain social and

personal satisfaction and independence.

7.2. Characteristics of Social Work:

1) Social Work is commitment to social betterment.

2) A goal of enhancing social function

3) An action orientation

4) An application to human diversity

5) A versatile practice perspective

7.3. Objectives of Social work:

The main objectives of social work are to:

1) Solve psycho-social problems: Individuals in the community may

have many mental or social problems that prevent them from

achieving social development. One of the objectives of social

work is to help the individual to solve such problems.

2) Fulfil humanitarian needs: Every person in any community needs

certain facilities and provisions, as a human being. Social work

tries to fulfil such needs of the people.

3) Solve problems associated with coping mechanism: Social work

helps individuals develop the skills they need to cope up with

when things change or go wrong.

97
4) Create self-sufficiency: Self-reliance and self-sufficiency forms

the basis of the development of an individual. Social work helps

people to become self-sufficient.

5) Strengthen and create harmonious social relations: Happiness in

the community can be maintained only by harmonious social

relations. Social work tries to prevent factors that affect the

development of harmonious relations.

6) Develop democratic values: In a democratic country, democratic

values have meaning only if all citizens follow them. Social work

tries to develop these values in citizens.

7) Provide opportunities for development and social progress:

There are many opportunities for development and social

progress which ordinary people may not be aware of. Social work

provides knowledge and information to people about these

opportunities.

8) Change the environment in favour of an individual’s growth and

development: The situations and circumstances around a person

or community influence their growth and development. Social

work tries to change unfavourable situations into favourable ones

to help the growth and development of individuals.

9) Bring about changes in the social system for social development:

Social work helps to change practices in society that are

outdated or irrelevant.

10) Provide socio-legal aid: Many people are ignorant of social laws

and the support available to the needy. Social work provides

such socio-legal aid.

98
7.4. Three rings of Social Work:

There are three main concepts of social work which is must for practice

knowledge, values and skills. It is called “Three Rings of Social Work”.

Knowledge:

x General social work knowledge

x Knowledge about specific practice setting

x Knowledge about specific practice agency

x Knowledge about specific client

x Knowledge about a specific contact

Skills:

x Basic helping skills,

x Engagement skills

x Observation skills

x Communication skills

x Empathy skills

Values:

x Recognition of the worth & dignity of an individual

x Self-determination

x Equal opportunity for all

x Social responsibility

x Total outlook of life

99
 x Individual freedom

x Mutual tolerance & respect

x Democratic right

x Self-reliance

x Mutual help

x Dignity of labour

x Utilization of resources

7.5. Values of Social Work

Social Work Values are as follows:

Service: The main goal of the social workers is to help people in need

and to tackle social problems. For them, service to others ranks higher

than self-interest. Social workers depend on their knowledge, values and

skills to help people in need. They volunteer to put their professional

skills to do good to the society without expecting any significant financial

returns.

Social justice: Social workers question and confront social injustice.

They encourage social change, especially if the change is in favour of

the oppressed. Social workers’ efforts for social change are focused

chiefly on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination and other

forms of social inequality. Social workers try to ensure access to needed

information, services and resources; impartiality of opportunity; and

meaningful participation in decision-making for one and all.

Dignity and worth of the person: Social workers respect the intrinsic

dignity and worth of the person. They treat each person in a caring and

100
respectful manner, mindful of individual differences and cultural and

ethnic multiplicity. Social workers encourage clients’ self-determination.

They seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change the

circumstances and to fulfill their own needs. Social workers are aware of

their dual responsibility towards the interests of their clients as well as

the society. They are expected to act in a socially responsible manner in

keeping with the values, ethical principles and standards of their

profession.

Importance of human relationships: Social workers distinguish the

innermost importance of the human relationships. They understand that

relationships among people are a significant vehicle for change, and

appoint people as partners in the helping process. Social workers make

an effort to strengthen relationships among the people to encourage,

promote, restore and maintain the mental and physical well-being of

individuals, families, social groups, organizations and communities.

Integrity: Social workers act in a trustworthy manner. They are not only

aware of their mission, values, moral principles and ethical standards

and practices, but they ensure that they never lose their focus. They

work with a sense of responsibility, honesty, endorsing ethical practices

on the part of the organizations for which they work.

Competence: Social workers perform within their areas of aptitude and

expand and improve their professional proficiency. They attempt to

enhance their knowledge in the context of their profession and acquire

new skills that they can put to practice for the betterment of society.

7.6. Social Work Philosophy

Social Work is said to be a helping profession, But

101
 x Why do we help people?

x Why do we social workers care for people?

x Why do we rehabilitate drug addicts, alcoholic addicts?

x Why do we work for poverty alleviation?

x Why we promote social policy and social change?

Answering these questions will lead you to your philosophical base

of social work. Because Philosophy is the beliefs and principles

underlying any department of knowledge. Philosophy is the study of the

truth and the principles of being, knowledge, or conduct A belief (or

system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school.

Thus, it is clear that the concept of philosophy is grounded in the

understanding that there are truths and principles of our existence and

that these truths are accepted by us as well as others. We can have a

set of truths and principles that guide us in how we conduct ourselves

and define what we expect from others.

Social Work as a discipline focuses on the theoretical and

philosophical positions such as Social Justice, Equality, and

Empowerment. These can be described as the Philosophies of Social

Work.

7.6.1. Philosophy of Social work according to Herbert Bison

Herbert Bison has described the philosophy of social work in detail in his

book the philosophy of social work. He has narrated the philosophy of

social work by following basic thoughts.

x Each individual by the very fact of his existence is of worth.

102
x Human suffering is undesirable and should be prevented or at

least alleviated whenever possible.

x All human behaviour is the result of interaction between the

biological organization and its environment.

x Man does not 'naturally' act rationally. The man at birth is neither

moral nor immoral, social or antisocial. He is neutral and the

behaviour of an individual is the result of many forces.

x There are both individual and common human needs. In addition

to these needs every individual also has other needs and desires

which are uniquely his. The social worker believes that it is

essential for individuals to have an opportunity to express these

needs and desires in a satisfying and socially useful manner.

x There are important differences between individuals and they

must be recognized and allowed. Social workplaces paramount

importance on individualization.

x Human Motivator is complex and frequently obscure. It is the

result of certain needs which initiates it; thus, behaviours are the

symptom of these causes. When needs are not fulfilled, he feels

frustrated and abnormal symptoms appear in his behaviour.

x Family relationship is primary importance in the early

development of the individual.

x Having experience is an essential aspect of the learning process.

x Social work rejects the doctrine of survival of the fittest instead it

believes in the survival of the weakest.

103
 x The rich powerful is not necessarily 'Fit' while the poor and weak

are not necessarily ‘Unfits’.

x "Socialized individuals" is preferable to "rugged individualism"

and social work believes in socialized individualism.

x A major responsibility for the welfare of its members rests with

the community.

x All classes of persons in the community have an equal right to

social services there is a community responsibility to relieve

adequate and without discrimination among the members of the

community.

7.7. Principles of social work

The social work profession is guided by a distinct set of abstract

values and a Code of Ethics. These values are transformed into

accepted practices and principles to inform our intervention with clients.

Social workers should observe the following principles while performing

their work:

a) Principle of Individualization: Every person has the right to be

considered a ‘worthy individual’. Hence, social workers should consider

each person as a valuable individual and each problem is unique.

b) Principle of Acceptance: Social workers should accept each client

with all their abilities and weakness. This acceptance is essential for a

successful relationship between the social worker and client.

c) Principle of Confidentiality: This means that the information passed

on by the client to the social worker must be kept confidential and under

no circumstances should it be used to harm the client.

104
d) Principle of Meaningful Relationship: Relationship is the bridge on

which the social worker and the client interact to solve problems/ issues.

Proper relationships need to be maintained if the social worker is to be

effective.

e) Principle of Self-determination: The social worker should help the

client to think independently and rationally about their problem/ situation

and arrive at a decision. The client has the right to make his/her own

choices and decisions.

f) Principle of Communication: Ineffective communication may result

in misunderstandings between the client and the social worker. It may

also delay or hinder solutions to a problem. The social worker should

therefore create a friendly and safe atmosphere so that the client can

feel comfortable expressing his/her feelings.

g) Principle of Purposeful Expression of Feelings - Clients need to

have opportunities to express their feelings freely to the social worker.

As social workers, we must go beyond "just the facts" to uncover the

underlying feelings.

h) Principle of Non-judgementalism - Communicating non-

judgementalism is essential to develop a relationship with any client. It

does not imply that social workers do not make decisions; rather it

implies a non-blaming attitude and behaviour. Social workers judge

others as neither good nor bad nor as worthy or unworthy.

i)Principle of Objectivity - Closely related to non-judgementalism,

objectivity is the principle of examining situations without bias. To be

objective in their observations and understanding, social workers must

105
avoid injecting personal feelings and prejudices in relationships with the

clients.

Let’s Sum Up

A person failing to perform or follow the social functioning prescribed to

him is considered ‘an unworthy and undesirable element’ by the society.

He is denied dignity and considered as a person with no integrity and ill-

treated by the society. This value reminds the social worker that every

client that comes to him is not to be considered as a person having no

value and no virtue because he is in a disadvantageous position. The

first value is the social worker’s social responsibility towards himself, his

family and his society. This value cautions the social worker not to

neglect himself, his family and the society in which he is living while

discharging his professional duties. The main goal of social workers is

to help people in need and to tackle social problems. For them, service

to others ranks higher than self-interest. Social workers depend on their

knowledge, values and skills to help people in need.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What do you mean by ‘acceptance’ as a principle of social worker?

2) What is the role of self-determination for the client in social worker

Profession?

3) What are the three faces of social work value?

GLOSSARY

Psycho-social : Relating to the interrelation of social factors

106
 and individual thought and behaviour.

Humanitarian : concerned with human welfare

Empathy : ability to understand and share the feelings

of others

Integrity : quality of being honest and having strong

moral principles

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Acceptance is a fundamental principle of social work that implies a

sincere understanding of clients. It is conveyed in the professional

relationship by showing genuine concern, being a good listener,

acknowledging the client’s view, responding to the client and creating a

climate of mutual respect. It is important for a social worker working on a

particular case to be accepted as a worthy and dignified individual.

2. Self-determination involves allowing the client to take his own decision

in his own way, giving him the opportunity to decide what is best for him.

Self-determination is a professional ideology derived from several ideas

and values that exist outside the periphery of social work. It encourages

self-help to improve self-confidence and strengthens the ability to

shoulder more responsibility.

3. Social work values have three faces: values about people, values

about social work in relation to society, and values that signify

professional behaviour. The value is the conviction in the inherent worth,

integrity and dignity of the individual.

107
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://online.yu.edu/wurzweiler/blog/six-core-values-of-social-

work

x https://socialworkbhu.blogspot.com/2014/03/principles-of-social-

work.html

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. What are the methods of social work?

2. Write the objectives of social work.

3. Explain the Three Rings of social work

4. Enumerate the Philosophy of Social work.

108
UNIT - 8

PROFESSIONALIZATION OF SOCIAL WORK II

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

8.1. Code of Ethics in the Social Work profession

8.2. Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics

8.3. Ethical Principles

8.4. Professional Social Workers Association in India and

Abroad

8.5. Associations for Professional Social workers

8.5.1. The National Association of Social Workers

(NASW)

8.5.2. The International Federation of Social Workers

(IFSW)

8.5.3. Association of Schools of Social Work in India

(ASSWI)

8.5.4 Indian Society of Professional Social Work

(ISPSW)

8.5.5 National Association of Professional Social

Workers

109
 in India (NAPSWI)

8.5.6. PSWA

Let us sum up

Check your progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Suggested Readings

Model Questions

OVERVIEW

As the scope of social work across the various fields have grown,

a slew of professional associations – national, international and regional

levels - has come into existence. They were established to address

various issues related to social work practice. They are meant to provide

social work educators and practitioners for discussions about

improvement in the social work education and practice. The National

Association of Social Workers(NASW) is the largest membership

organization of professional social workers in the world. It developed and

adopted the NASW Code of Ethics and other specialized practice

standards. In India, there is an association called Association of Schools

of Social Work in India (ASSWI).Another association known as Indian

Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW) aims towards meeting

challenges of present-day social work practice and creating a platform

for information exchange among fellow professionals. This unit aims at

110
analysing the objectives and functions of various professional

associations in social work.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After going through this unit, you will be able to:

x Understand the professional associations in social work and

NASW Code of Ethics

x Explain the functions of international associations like NASW,

IASW and IFSW

x Enumerate the functions and objectives of national associations

like ASSWI, ISPSW, NAPSWI and PSWA

8.1. Code of Ethics in the Social Work profession:

The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of

core values. These core values, are embraced by social workers

throughout the profession’s history, and are the foundation of the social

work’s unique purpose and perspective:

• service

• social justice

• dignity and worth of the person

• importance of human relationships

• integrity

• competence.

This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social

work profession. Core values, and the principles that flow from them,

111
must be balanced within the context and the complexity of the human

experience.

8.2. Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics:

Professional ethics are at the core of the social work. The

profession should articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and

ethical standards. The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values,

principles, and standards to guide social workers’ conduct. The Code is

relevant to all social workers and social work students, regardless of

their professional functions, the settings in which they work, or the

populations they serve.

The NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes:

1) The Code identifies core values on which social work’s mission is

based.

2) The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the

profession’s

core values and establishes a set of specific ethical standards that

should be used to guide social work practice.

3) The Code is designed to help social workers identify the relevant

considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical

uncertainties arise.

4) The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public can

hold the social work profession accountable.

5) The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work’s

mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards.

112
6) The Code articulates standards that the social work profession itself

can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in unethical

conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate ethics complaints

filed against its members

8.3. Ethical Principles:

The following broad ethical principles are based on social work’s

core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person,

importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These

principles set forth ideals, to which all the social workers should aspire.

Value: Service

Ethical Principle: Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need

and to address social problems.

Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social

workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in

need and to address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to

volunteer some portion of their professional skills with no expectation of

significant financial return (pro bono service).

Value: Social Justice

Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.

Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of

the vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social

workers’ social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty,

unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These

activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression

and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access

113
to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity;

and meaningful participation in the decision making for all people.

Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person

Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth

of the person.

Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion,

mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social

workers promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination. Social

workers seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and

to address their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual

responsibility to clients and the broader society. They seek to resolve the

conflicts between the clients’ interests and the broader society’s

interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values,

ethical principles, and ethical standards of the profession

Value: Importance of Human Relationships

Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of

the human relationships.

Social workers understand that relationships between and among

people who are an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage

the people as partners in the helping process. Social workers seek to

strengthen relationships among people in a purposeful effort to promote,

restore, maintain, and enhance the well-being of individuals, families,

social groups, organizations, and communities.

Value: Integrity

Ethical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.

114
Social workers are continually aware of the profession’s mission, values,

ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner

consistent with them. Social workers act honestly and responsibly and

promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which

they are affiliated.

Value: Competence

Ethical Principle: Social workers practise within their areas of

competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise.

Social workers continually strive to increase their professional

knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice. Social workers

should aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession

8.4. Professional Social Workers Association in India and Abroad

As the scope of social work across the various fields have grown,

of the professional associations, that are at the national, international

and regional levels – has come into existence. They were established to

address various issues related to the social work practice. They are

meant to provide social work educators and practitioners for the

discussions about the improvement in the social work education and it

practice. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the

largest membership organization of professional social workers in the

world. It developed and adopted the NASW Code of Ethics and other

specialized practice standards. The Irish Association of the Social

Workers is the national professional body for social workers in the

Republic of Ireland. The International Federation of Social Workers

(IFSW) is the worldwide body for professional social work. It comprises

115
of 120 professional social work associations representing over 3 million

social workers.

8.5. Associations for Professional Social workers

8.5.1 The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest

membership organization of professional social workers in the world. It

has more than 120,000 members. The association works to enhance the

professional growth and development of its members, to create and

maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

The NASW was established in 1955 through the consolidation of the

seven organizations. These are:

American Association of Social Workers

· American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers

· American Association of Group Workers

· Association for the Study of Community Organization

· American Association of Medical Social Workers

· National Association of School Social Workers

· Social Work Research Group

NASW’s primary functions include promoting of the professional

development of its members, establishing and maintaining professional

standards of practice, advancing sound social policies, and providing

services that protect its members and enhance their professional status.

NASW developed and adopted the NASW Code of Ethics and other

generalized and specialized practice standards. Certification and quality

116
assurance are promoted through the Academy of Certified Social

Workers, the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers, and the

Diplomate in Clinical Social Work. Political Action for Candidate Election

and Educational Legislative Action Network are some of the NASW’s

political action programs. Through its 56 chapters in the U.S. and

abroad, NASW also sponsors professional conferences and continuing

education programs and produces journals (such as the flagship Social

Work), books, and major reference works for the social work profession.

8.5.2. The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)

The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is the

worldwide body for professional social work. It comprises 120

professional social work associations representing over 3 million social

workers. IFSW has formal consultative status with the United Nations

and other global bodies. The organisation’s purpose is to contribute to

building a more equitable world through professional social work. IFSW

and its partners regularly review the international standards of social

work and policies that promote good practice outcomes. The current

president of IFSW is Ruth Stark who is a Social Worker in Scotland and

a member of the Scottish Association of Social Workers.

8.5.3. Association of Schools of Social Work in India (ASSWI)

The Association of Schools of Social Work in India (ASSWI) was

a voluntary association of social workers. During 1977-81, a committed

team was elected to manage ASSWI. After the election of the team,

social work teachers from different regions were nominated to

international programmes; many were invited to direct many workshops

117
and seminars and organised various faculty development and curriculum

restructuring workshops.

8.5.4. Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW)

Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW) was formally

known as the Indian Society of Psychiatric Social Work, which was

established in the year 1970 by Dr R.K. Upadhyaya and his staff of the

Dept of Psychiatric Social Work, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.

It aims at meeting the challenges of the present-day social work practice

and creating a platform for the information exchange among fellow

professionals. Later, it has been constantly upgraded to reach this

current status of professional identity and recognition by Dr I.A. Shariff

(Retd. Professor & Head) and Faculty Members, Dept. of Psychiatric

Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences,

Bangalore.

The nomenclature of the Society was changed in Dec.1988 at

Kolkata, because of an increased representation of educators,

practitioners and researchers from all streams of social work in the

Society. The Society primarily focuses on uniting the professional social

workers to discuss, deliberate and develop conceptual frameworks and

feasible indigenous interventions in Social work practice. To facilitate

this cause, the Society has so far conducted 35Annual National

Conferences along with workshops, seminars and symposia on various

issues all over India.

8.5.5. National Association of Professional Social Workers in India

(NAPSWI)

118
 National Association of Professional Social Workers in India

(NAPSWI) is a non-profit, non-political, national-level organization

dedicated to the promotion of the standard and status of the social work

profession. It intends to fulfil twin purpose: to promote the social work

profession across the country to improve the quality of services in the

social welfare and social development sectors on one hand and to

protect the interests of social work professionals.

The Professional Social Workers’ Association (PSWA) is an association

of Indian/Tamil Nadu social work professionals, headquartered in

Chennai. It is a registered entity, formerly known as “Professional Social

Workers’ Forum” (PSWF). The Association is functioning since 1985.

Later the association merged with the Indian Council of Social Welfare

(ICSW) which was established in Paris in 1928 and is now

headquartered in Mumbai.

Lets Sum Up

The national association of social workers (NASW) is the largest

membership organization of professional social workers in the world. It

has more than 120,000 members. Indian Society of Professional Social

Work (ISPSW) was formally known as Indian Society of Psychiatric

Social Work, which was established in the year 1970 by Dr. R.K.

Upadhyaya and his staff of the Dept of Psychiatric Social Work, Central

Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. The ISPSW is the oldest and active

society of professional social work associations in India. (ISPSW) aims

towards meeting challenges of present-day social work practice and

creating a platform for information exchange among fellow professionals.

In this unit we also find that the professional social work education in

119
India faces various challenges which need to be addressed collectively

for improving the standards, enhancing the recognition of the profession

and developing literature in consonance with the social context.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) Which are the primary functions of NASW?

2) List some of the objectives of NAPSWI.

3) List some of the main social work ethics that all social workers should

be aware of.

GLOSSARY

Ethics : moral principles that govern a person's behaviour

or the conducting of an activity.

Federation : the action of forming states or organizations into

a single group with centralized control.

Competence : the ability to do something successfully or

efficiently.

Indigenous : the notion of a place-based human ethnic culture

that has not migrated from its homeland.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) The NASW’s primary functions include promoting the professional

development of its members, establishing and maintaining professional

standards of practice, advancing sound social policies, and providing

services that protect its members and enhance their professional status.

2) Some of the objectives of NAPSWI are:

120
 a. Increase awareness about social work profession at various

levels.

b. Promote the highest professional standards and ethics in the

practice of professional social work.

c. Advance the knowledge and practice base of social work

interventions that enhance quality of life and standard of living of

persons, their family and environment.

d. Faster communication and foster support among professional

social workers.

3) Some of the main social work ethics that all social workers should be

aware of are as follows: Respect the self-esteem of the individual as this

dignity would be the basis for all common relationships.

a. Be convinced that the client is competent enough to

progress towards his/her goals.

b. Build relations with individuals and respect them for their

individual qualities irrespective of the caste, community,

creed, status or social category they belong to.

c. Keep in mind the fact that their biggest gift to another

individual may be to lend that person an opportunity to

not just develop but exercise his/her own capacities.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://www.socialworkers.org/about/ethics/code-of-ethics/code-

of-ethics-english

x https://www.ifsw.org/member-organisation/india

x https://socialworklicensure.org/articles/social-work-profession

121
MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Elaborate the Code of ethics in social work Profession.

2. Write short notes on any three professional Social Workers’

association.

122
UNIT - 9

GENERALIST SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

9.1. Definition and concept-Critical thinking skills

9.1.1. Definition

9.2. Steps of Critical Thinking

9.2.1. Top Critical Thinking Skills: Examples

` 9.3. Planned Change Process

9.3.1. Theories of planned change

9.3.2. Action Research Model

9.3.3. Steps in planned change

Let us sum up

Check your progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Suggested Readings

Model Questions

123
OVERVIEW

Generalist Social Work Practice. This means that the social worker

has an eclectic theoretical base that utilizes a systems framework to

assess a variety of points for possible intervention. The core

responsibility of the social work practice is the guidance of a planned

change through the problem-solving process. Generalist practitioners

are prepared to employ critical thinking to flexibly choose among

practice skills and roles employed through a process of planned change

to intervene with individuals, families, groups, communities and

organizations and a variety of social problems. Generalist social work

practitioners seek to enhance the well-being of client systems of all sizes

including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in

a variety of settings, acknowledging the interconnectivity and

interdependence of these systems. Generalist practice introduces

students to basic concepts in social work, which include promoting

human well-being and applying preventative and intervention methods to

social problems at individual, group, and community levels while

following ethical principles and critical thinking. Generalist practice is

further defined as ethical social work practice grounded in the

knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes

associated with a set of professional competencies characterized by the

following:

x Ethical and professional behavior

x Engagement of diversity and difference in practice

x Advancement of human rights and social, economic, and

environmental justice

124
 x Engagement in practice-informed research and research-

informed practice

x Engagement in policy practice

x Engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with

client systems of all sizes (planned change process)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

x After going through this unit, you will be able to:

x Understand about what is Generalist Social Work Practice.

x The student will be able to follow what are Critical thinking skills

with examples,

x The student will be able to understand what is planned change

process and the steps involved it in.

9.1. Definition and concept-Critical thinking skills:

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyse information

objectively and make a reasoned judgment. It involves the evaluation of

sources, such as data, facts, observable phenomena, and research

findings. Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a

set of information, and discriminate between useful and less useful

details to solve problems or make decisions.

Critical thinking means making reasoned judgments that are logical

and well-thought-out. It is a way of thinking in which you don't simply

accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to but rather

have an attitude involving questioning such arguments and conclusions.

It requires wanting to see what evidence is involved to support a

particular argument or conclusion. People who use critical thinking are

125
the ones who say things such as, 'How do you know that? Is this

conclusion based on evidence or gut feelings?' and 'Are there alternative

possibilities when given new pieces of information?'

Critical thinking is a widely accepted educational goal. Its

definition is contested, but the competing definitions can be understood

as differing conceptions of the same basic concept: careful thinking

directed to a goal. Conceptions differ concerning the scope of such

thinking, the type of goal, the criteria and norms for thinking carefully,

and the thinking components on which they focus. Its adoption as an

educational goal has been recommended based on respect for students’

autonomy and preparing students for success in life and democratic

citizenship. “Critical thinkers” have the dispositions and abilities that lead

them to think critically when appropriate. The abilities can be identified

directly; the dispositions indirectly, by considering what factors contribute

to or impede the exercise of the abilities.

Critical thinking is the process of independently analysing, synthesizing,

and evaluating information as a guide to behaviour and beliefs.

The American Philosophical Association has the defined critical thinking

as "the process of purposeful, self-regulatory judgment. The process

gives reasoned consideration to evidence, contexts, conceptualizations,

methods, and criteria" (1990). Critical thinking is sometimes broadly

defined as "thinking about thinking."

Critical thinking skills include the ability to interpret, verify, and reason,

all of which involves the applying of the principles of logic. The process

of using critical thinking is to guide writing that is called critical writing.

126
Examples of Critical Thinking

The circumstances that demand critical thinking vary from industry to

industry. Some examples include:

x A triage nurse analyses the cases at hand and decides the order

by which the patients should be treated.

x A plumber evaluates the materials that would best suit a

particular job.

x An attorney reviews the evidence and devices a strategy to win a

case or to decide whether to settle out of court.

x A manager analyses customer feedback forms and uses this

information to develop a customer service training session for

employees.

Additionally, critical thinking can be divided into the following three core

skills:

1. Curiosity is the desire to learn more information and seek

evidence as well as being open to new ideas.

2. Scepticism involves having a healthy questioning attitude about

the new information that you are exposed to and not blindly

believing everything everyone tells you.

3. Finally, humility is the ability to admit that your opinions and

ideas are wrong when faced with new convincing evidence that

states otherwise.

9.1.1. Definition:

127
Bailin (1999) claim that, if one considers what sorts of thinking an

educator would take not to be critical thinking and what sorts to be

critical thinking, one can conclude that educators typically understand

critical thinking to have at least three features.

1. It is done to make up one’s mind about what to believe or do.

2. The person engaging in the thinking is trying to fulfil standards of

adequacy and accuracy appropriate to the thinking.

3. The thinking fulfils the relevant standards to some threshold

level.

4. 9.2 Steps of Critical Thinking

1. Identify the problem or question.

Be as precise as possible: the narrower the issue, the easier it is to find

solutions or answers.

2. Gather data, opinions, and arguments.

Try to find several sources that present different ideas and points of

view.

3. Analyse and evaluate the data.

Are the sources reliable? Are their conclusions data-backed or just

argumentative? Is there enough information or data to support the given

hypotheses?

4. Identify assumptions.

Are you sure the sources you found are unbiased? Are you sure you

weren’t biased in your search for answers?

128
5. Establish significance.

What piece of information is most important? Is the sample size

sufficient? Are all opinions and arguments even relevant to the problem

you’re trying to solve?

6. Make a decision/conclude.

Identify various conclusions that are possible and decide which (if any)

of them are sufficiently supported. Weigh the strengths and limitations of

all possible options.

7. Present or communicate.

Once you’ve concluded, present it to all the stakeholders.

9.2.1 Top Critical Thinking Skills: Examples:

x Analysis: The ability to collect and process information and

knowledge.

x Interpretation: concluding what the meaning of processed

information is.

x Inference: assessing whether the knowledge you have is

sufficient and reliable.

x Evaluation: the ability to make decisions based on the available

information.

x Explanation: communicating your findings and reasoning.

x Self-Regulation: the drive to constantly monitor and correct your

ways of thinking.

129
 x Open-Mindedness: taking into account other possibilities and

points of view.

x Problem-Solving: the ability to tackle unexpected problems and

resolve conflicts.

9.3. Planned Change Process:

Planned change is defined as the process of preparing the entire

organization or at least a significant part of it for new goals or new

direction. The direction can be culture, internal structures, metrics and

records, processes, or any other relevant and related aspect.

Change is constant, and the best companies embrace change. Not

every change can be planned. Sometimes organizations face certain

situations in which they have to adapt to the change instantly.

It is important to note that planning for change and planning for

innovation are not the same things. Innovation is a transformative

process that requires a significant change.

9.3.1. Theories of planned change:

There are three significant organizational change or planned change

theories used to help the organizational members manage the change.

1. Lewin’s change model

Lewin’s model is the basis for comprehending organizational change. It

was developed by Kurth Lewin and had three steps in it.

Lewin’s change model suggests increasing the factors which push for

change in the organization and reduce the forces or factors which

130
promote maintaining the existing state in the organization. This produces

reduced tension and also less resistance to change.

There are three primary steps in this model which are as follows:

1. Unfreezing

As the name suggests, this step involves the reduction of the factors

which maintain the existing organizational behaviour at the current level.

1. This is why it is named unfreezing because the existing state is

unfrozen here.

Unfreezing is sometimes accomplished by the causes of psychological

disconfirmation.

2. Moving

In moving, there is the displacement of existing organizational

behaviour, Individual or department, to a different level.

It also involves interfering in the present system to develop new attitudes

and values and relevant change in the organization.

3. Refreezing

In this step, the stabilization of the organizational equilibrium occurs.

Supporting mechanisms and procedures are used to achieve refreezing,

which forces the new organizational state.

These are the forces that gradually become the regular forces, and the

cycle continues.

9.3.2. Action Research Model:

Planned change is a cycle, and the action research model

focuses on the planned change as the cycle. The primary research

131
about the organization gives information to guide further action. The

results are assessed to provide information to guide further action.

Action research has the objective of assisting companies with

implementing their planned change. Also, it is aimed at developing

general knowledge gathered from implementing the planned change so

that it can be applied to other companies as well.

The action research was developed to have a two focus on changing

and knowledge generation; it has been changed and adopted to efforts

in which the primary emphasis is on the planned change.

3. Contemporary approaches to change

The contemporary approaches to change are adopted from an action

research model. Although there is the difference that the member

involvement is relatively high in the change process.

This consists of learning for the members of the organization about their

company and how they should change it to apply the planned change.

9.3.3. Steps in planned change:

Once an organization is committed to planned change, it should create a

logical and stepwise approach to reach those objectives.

1. Identification of the need

The need for recognition happens at a higher level of the organization,

which involves senior management. They are the ones who recognize

that there is a need to change. The change may be necessitated due to

the external or internal forces, and the senior management determines

it.

132
2. Develop goals of change

Goals that change are necessary to be defined before the starting of the

planned change. Evaluation of both threats as well as opportunities

should be done, and the required changes in specific terms should be

determined like the changes required for the product, culture, etc.

Specific goals should be designed for them.

3. Change agent

The change agent, as the name suggests, is the one who drives change

in the organization. He may be internal or external. The change agent

should realize the things which need a change, be it a product, culture,

or other things in the organization. He is expected to be open to

suggestions and ideas and also should support the execution of the

suggestions into daily practice.

4. Analysis of the current situation

In this step, an analysis of the existing situation is performed. The

change agent, which is selected, gathers data about the organization’s

current situation. This data gathering has only one intention, which is to

help the existing employees prepare.To push the employees to adopt

the change, the negative feedback of the existing situation must be

imparted to them. This will motivate them to put down the existing

situation and adopt the new change, which is planned.

5. Select the implementation method

Now that the current method is analysed and evaluated, when the

different possible methods of implementation would be presented. Once

133
all the queries are solved, the chosen plan is selected for

implementation. Managers ensure that they are self-motivated towards

the change. They visit organizations that have implemented new ideas,

talk to people who have different views and ideas, and do everything

needed to stay motivated for the changes since they are the ones who

will drive the change in their respective teams.

6. Developing a plan

As the name suggests, in this step, planning takes place. Specifics of

the plan such as what, where, and how is determined in this step, and

the plan is expected to act like a GPS map providing direction for the

organization. If there are any events or activities which would drive the

change, then such events should be timed to integrate the change

process. Department-wise or person-wise responsibility is delegated to

accomplish their respective objectives.

7. Implementation of the selected plan

There could be multiple plans in the process, some of which may be

rejected and is one of which will be selected. After all the queries are

answered, the plan is put into effect. Everyday problems faced by

employees during the implementation of change can dilute the

excitement of the change. It is the responsibility of the managers to

maintain the excitement for the change by providing the required

resources to their employees. They can also ask employees to develop

new skills, and reiterate the change by having a strong support system

for those employees who drive the change in their teams or themselves.

8. Follow-up and evaluation

134
The goals which were defined before the initiation of the change process

are compared to the results which are obtained and changes if any, are

done in the implementation process to obtain the desired results. If

necessary, a follow up should be done to determine the completion

since a positive result is expected by implementing the planned change.

Lets Sum Up

Generalist practice introduces students to the basic concepts in

social work which includes promoting human well-being and applying

preventative and intervention methods to social problems at individual

(micro), group (mezzo), and community (macro) levels while following

ethical principles and critical thinking. Social workers have the unique

ability to practice with both depth and breadth. It is possible to

strengthen and refine our chosen fields of practice and preserve our

generalist knowledge base by better integrating our practice skills. The

lessons we have gleaned from history have profoundly shaped the fabric

of our profession, with the synthesis of micro and macro skills being at

the very core of generalist social work.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What does Critical thinking mean ?

2) What is Planned change process ?

3) List down the steps of planned change process

GLOSSARY

Generalist Social work : The use of the problem solving process to

intervene with systems of various sizes,

135
 including individuals, families, groups,

organizations, and communities.

Reliable : able to be trusted.

Assumptions : Something that you assume to be the case,

even without proof.

Resistance : The refusal to accept or comply with

something.

Reiterate : Reiterate - say something again or a number

of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Critical thinking is the analysis of facts to form a judgment. The

subject is complex, and several different definitions exist, which

generally include the rational, skeptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation

of factual evidence. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-

monitored, and self-corrective thinking.

2. Planned change is defined as the process of preparing the entire

organization or at least a significant part of it for new goals or new

direction. The direction can be culture, internal structures, metrics and

records, processes, or any other relevant and related aspect.

3) The steps of planned change process:

136
 1. Recognition of the Need for Change

2. Establishment of Goals for the Change

3. Diagnosis of Relevant Variables

4. Selection of Appropriate Change Technique

5. Planning For Implementation of Change

6. Actual Implementation

7. Evaluation and Follow Up

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://zety.com/blog/critical-thinking-skills

x https://www.marketing91.com/planned-change

x https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/principles-of-

management/managing-change/steps-in-planned-change

x https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-critical-thinking-

definition-skills-meaning.html

MODEL QUESTION

1. What is meant be Generalist social work?

2. Explain the concept “Critical thinking”

3. Elaborate the theories of Planned Change.

137
UNIT 10

CONTEMPORARY IDEOLOGIES FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

10.1. Neoliberalism

10.2. Globalisation

10.3. Post Modernism

10.4. Feminism

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

The social work profession promotes social change, problem

solving in the human relationships and the empowerment and the

liberation of the people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of

human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points

where people interact with their environments. On this note,

understanding the current pressing ideologies and issues is very

important to address the problems in the society. This chapter enables

138
us to understand various contemporary ideologies that has infused

social change and development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this chapter the student will be able to

x Understand various contemporary ideologies for social change.

x To differentiate various ideologies from each other and

understand them clearly.

x Will be able to elucidate how these ideologies contributed to

social development.

10.1. Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism is a political and economic policy model that

emphasizes the value of free market capitalism while seeking to transfer

control of economic factors from the government to the private sector.

Also incorporating the policies of privatization, deregulation,

globalization, and free trade, it is commonly-though perhaps incorrectly-

associated with laissez-faire or “hands-off” economics. Neoliberalism is

considered a 180-degree reversal of the Keynesian phase of capitalism

prevalent from 1945 to 1980.

Neoliberal economic policies stress two fundamentals of

capitalism: deregulation-the removal of government control over

industry—and privatization-the transfer of ownership, property, or

business from the government to the private sector. Historic examples of

deregulated industries in the U.S. include the airline, telecommunication,

and trucking industries. Examples of privatization include the

139
correctional system in the form of non-profit private prisons, and the

interstate highway system construction.

More simply stated, neoliberalism seeks to transfer ownership

and control of economic factors from the government to the private

sector, and favours globalization and free market capitalism over the

heavily regulated markets common in communist and socialist states.

Additionally, neoliberals seek to increase the private sector’s influence

on the economy by achieving deep reductions in government spending.

In practice, the goals of neoliberalism depend to a great degree

on the government. In this manner, neoliberalism is really at odds with

the “hands-off” laissez-faire economic policies of classical liberalism.

Unlike classical liberalism, neoliberalism is highly constructivist and

demands strong government intervention to implement its market-

controlling reforms throughout society. Since the teachings of Aristotle,

political and social scientists have known that, especially in

representative democracies, the values of neoliberal capitalism and

socialism will intersect. Rich capitalists, while demanding that the

government not limit their earning potential, will also demand that the

government defend their wealth. At the same time, the poor will demand

that the government implement policies to help them gain a larger share

of that wealth.

10.2. Globalisation

Globalisation is seen as a conscious and active process of

expanding business and trade across the borders of all the states. It

stands for expanding cross-border facilities and economic linkages. This

is to be done with a view to secure an integration of economic interests

140
and activities of the people living in all parts of the world. The objective

of making the world a truly inter-related, inter-dependent, developed

global village governs the on-going process of globalisation.

Globalisation is the concept of securing real social economic,

political and cultural transformation of the world into a real global

community. It is considered to be the essential means for securing

sustainable development of all the people of the world.

“Globalisation represents the desire to move from national to a

global sphere of economic and political activity”. It seeks to transform the

existing international economic system into a unified system of global

economics. In the existing system, national economies are the major

players. In the new system, the globalized economic and political activity

will ensure sustainable development for the whole world, the process of

international integration arising from the interchange of world views,

products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. Globalisation means rapid

increase in the share of economic activities taking place across national

borders.

10.3. Post Modernism

Postmodernism broadly refers to a socio-cultural and literary

theory, and a shift in perspective that has manifested in a variety of

disciplines including the social sciences, art, architecture, literature,

fashion, communications, and technology. It is generally agreed that the

postmodern shift in perception began sometime back in the late 1950s,

and is probably still continuing. Postmodernism can be associated with

the power shifts and dehumanization of the post-Second World War era

and the onslaught of consumer capitalism.

141
 The very term Postmodernism implies a relation to Modernism.

Modernism was an earlier aesthetic movement which was in vogue in

the early decades of the twentieth century. It has often been said that

Postmodernism is at once a continuation of and a break away from the

Modernist stance.

Postmodernism shares many of the features of Modernism. Both

schools reject the rigid boundaries between high and low art.

Postmodernism even goes a. step further and deliberately mixes low art

with high art, the past with the future, or one genre with another. Such

mixing of different, incongruous elements illustrates Postmodernism’s

use of light-hearted parody, which was also used by Modernism.

Postmodern thinkers frequently call attention to the contingent or

socially-conditioned nature of knowledge claims and value systems,

situating them as products of particular political, historical, or cultural

discourses and hierarchies. Accordingly, postmodern thought is broadly

characterized by tendencies to self-referentiality, epistemological and

moral relativism, pluralism, and irreverence.

Postmodernism relies on critical theory, an approach that confronts the

ideological, social, and historical structures that shape and constrain

cultural production. Common targets of postmodernism and critical

theory include universalist notions of objective reality, morality, truth,

human nature, reason, language, and social progress. Postmodernist

approaches have been adopted in a variety of academic and theoretical

disciplines, including political science, organization theory, cultural

studies, philosophy of science, economics, linguistics, architecture,

142
feminist theory, and literary criticism, as well as art movements in fields

such as literature and music.

10.4. Feminism

Feminism is a type of political movement and philosophy that

intends to modernize the social role of females. It was one of the great

political and social movements of the 19th and 20th century. The term

feminism can be used to define a political, cultural or economic

movement aimed at establishing equal rights and legal protection for

women. Feminism involves political and sociological theories and

philosophies concerned with issues of gender difference, as well as a

movement that advocates gender equality for women and campaigns for

women's rights and interests. Feminists have emphasized, what they

see as the political relationship between the sexes that is the supremacy

of men and the domination of women in most of the societies.

Feminism refers to a diverse variety of beliefs, ideas,

movements, and agendas for action. It refers to any actions, especially

organized, that promote changes in the society to end patterns that have

disadvantaged women. Almost all the modern societal structures are

patriarchal and are constructed in such a way that men are the dominant

force in making the majority of political, economic, and cultural

decisions. Feminism focuses on the idea that since women comprise

one-half of the world population, true social progress can never be

achieved without the complete and spontaneous participation of women.

Feminist ideals and beliefs focus on what culture is like for women as

compared to what the world is like for men. The feminist assumption is

143
that women are not treated equally to men and as a result, women are

disadvantaged in comparison to men.

Feminist ideology considers in which ways culture can and

should be different between genders: Do different genders have different

goals, ideals, and visions? There's a great deal of value placed on the

importance of moving from point A (the status quo) to point B (female

equality) through a statement of commitment to behaviour and action to

produce that change.

10.5. Multiculturalism:

Multiculturalism describes the manner in which a given society

deals with cultural diversity. Based on the underlying assumption that

members of often very different cultures can coexist peacefully,

multiculturalism expresses the view that society is enriched by

preserving, respecting, and even encouraging cultural diversity. In the

area of political philosophy, multiculturalism refers to the ways in which

societies choose to formulate and implement official policies dealing with

the equitable treatment of different cultures.

Multiculturalism, the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities,

particularly those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of

their differences within a dominant political culture.

That acknowledgment can take the forms of recognition of

contributions to the cultural life of the political community as a whole, a

demand for special protection under the law for certain cultural groups,

or autonomous rights of governance for certain cultures. Multiculturalism

is both a response to the fact of cultural pluralism in modern

144
democracies and a way of compensating cultural groups for past

exclusion, discrimination, and oppression. Most modern democracies

comprise members with diverse cultural viewpoints, practices, and

contributions. Many minority cultural groups have experienced exclusion

or the denigration of their contributions and identities in the past.

Multiculturalism seeks the inclusion of the views and contributions of

diverse members of society while maintaining respect for their

differences and withholding the demand for their assimilation into the

dominant culture.

Let’s Sum Up

In the global scenario there are various new problem emerging

everyday and so is ideologies that define and introspect those issues

does. in this unit we have briefly understood various contemporary

ideologies such as neoliberalism, feminism, multiculturalism, post

modernism etc. which are majorly spoken around the work by various

thinkers. these ideologies will give us a better opportunity to understand

social issues in a different perspective.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. What is Globalisation?

2. What does Feminism mean?

3. What does Multiculturism mean?

GLOSSARY

Contemporary : belonging to or occurring in the present.

Laissez-faire : the policy of leaving things to take their own

145
 course, without interfering.

Sustainable : meeting our own needs without compromising

the ability of future generations to meet their

own needs.

Diverse : showing a great deal of variety; very different.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Globalization refers to the international interaction among people,

companies, and governments of different countries through the

exchanging of ideas, products, and cultural practices. Globalization is an

elimination of barriers to trade, communication, and cultural exchange.

2. Feminism is a range of social movements, political movements, and

ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic,

personal, and social equality of the sexes. Feminism is not the belief that

one gender should be raised in power above another. Equality is the

basic objective of feminism.

3. Multiculturalism, views cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly

those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of their

differences within a dominant political culture.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://www.britannica.com/topic/multiculturalism

146
 x https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/feminism-

womens-history

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-globalization-3310370

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Write a brief notes on

a. Neoliberalism

b. Globalization

c. Post Modernism

d. Feminism

147
Unit - 11

IDEOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

11.1. Sustainable Development

11.1.1. Sustainable Development Goals

11.1.2. Achieving Sustainable Development

11.2. What is Environmental Crisis?

11.2.1. Reasons for Environmental Crisis

11.3. People-Centred Development

11.4. Non-Governmental Organisations

11.4.1. Types of NGOs

11.4.2. NGO Types by level of operation

Let us sum up

Check your progress

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

148
Overview

Sustainable development is the idea that human societies must

live and meet their needs without compromising the ability of the future

generations to meet their own needs. The “official” definition of

sustainable development was developed for the first time in the

Brundtland Report in 1987. In this unit we will look at the Ideologies

behind sustainable development and people centred approach.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After going through this unit, you will be able to:

x Understand about what Sustainable development and People

centred approach.

x The student will be able to understand what Non-governmental

Organisation are and its types.

11.1. Sustainable Development

Specifically, sustainable development is a way of organizing

society so that it can exist in the long term. This means taking into

account both the imperatives present and those of the future, such as

the preservation of the environment and natural resources or social and

economic equity. it also can be defined as an approach to the economic

development of a country without compromising the quality of the

environment for future generations. In the name of economic

development, the price of environmental damage is paid in the form of

land degradation, soil erosion, air and water pollution, deforestation, etc.

This damage may surpass the advantages of having more quality output

of goods and services.

149
11.1.1. Sustainable Development Goals:

x To promote the kind of development that minimises

environmental problems.

x To meet the needs of the existing generation without

compromising the quality of the environment for future

generations.

11.1.2. Achieving Sustainable Development:

Sustainable development can be achieved if we follow the following

points:

x It can be achieved by restricting human activities.

x Technological development should be input effective and not

input utilising.

x The rate of consumption should not surpass the rate of salvation.

x For renewable resources, the rate of consumption should not

surpass the rate of production of renewable substitutes.

x All types of pollution should be minimised.

x It can be achieved by sensible use of natural resources.

Examples of Sustainable Development

a. Wind energy

b. Solar energy

c. Crop rotation

d. Sustainable construction

e. Efficient water fixtures

150
 f. Greenspace

g. Sustainable forestry

11.2. What is Environmental Crisis?

Environmental crisis refers to a situation when an environment fails to

perform its vital function of life sustenance. The environment becomes

suitable as soon as the following happens:

1. Resource extraction remains below the rate of resource

generation.

2. The generation of waste remains within the absorption capacity

of the environment.

11.2.1 Reasons for Environmental Crisis:

(1) Population explosion

x The high rate of growth of the population adversely affects the

environment.

x It increases the demand for the environmental resources, but

their supply is limited.

x This results in the overuse and misuse of resources.

(2) Rise in economic activity

x The rise in the economic growth results in affluent consumption

and the production of goods and services.

x It generates wastes that are beyond the absorptive capacity of

the environment.

(3) Rapid industrialisation

151
 x Rapid industrialisation has led to deforestation and the depletion

of natural resources.

x It leads to contamination of water due to the accumulation of an

increasing quantity of toxic substances and industrial wastes in

the water bodies.

(4) Urbanisation

A large migration of the population from rural to urban areas results

in the fast growth of slum areas.

x It leads to an excess burden on the existing infrastructural

activities.

(5) Deforestation

x Deforestation refers to cutting down trees, clearing forest, etc.

x It adversely affects the environment and causes other problems.

(6) Increased use of insecticides, pesticides, and chemical

fertilisers

x Farmers and workers suffer health problems due to the

increased use of poisonous insecticides, pesticides, and

chemical fertilisers.

x The crop generated also contains chemical elements in it.

11.3 People-Centred Development:

People-centred development is an approach to international

development that focuses on improving local the communities’ self-

reliance, social justice, and participatory decision-making. It recognizes

152
that the economic growth does not inherently contribute to human

development. It discusses the origin of the concept. And highlights the

importance. The concept of “people-centred development” places the

ultimate objective of development in helping humankind lead an affluent

and happy life. It also explains in what way it can help achieve global

health equity;

People-centred development is an approach to international

development that focuses on improving local communities' self-

reliance, social justice, and participatory decision-making. It

recognizes that economic growth does not inherently contribute to

human development and calls for changes in social, political, and

environmental values and practices.

11.4. Non-Governmental Organisations:

The term, "non-governmental organization" or NGO, came into

usage in 1945 because of the need for the UN to differentiate in its

Charter between participation rights for intergovernmental specialized

agencies and those for international private organizations. At the UN,

virtually all types of private bodies can be recognized as NGOs.

The structures of the NGOs vary considerably. They can be

global hierarchies, with either a relatively strong central authority or a

looser federal arrangement. Alternatively, they may be based in a single

country and operate transnationally. With the improvement in

communications, more locally-based groups, referred to as grass-roots

organizations or community-based organizations, have become active at

the national or even the global level. Increasingly this occurs through the

formation of coalitions. There are international umbrella NGOs, providing

153
an institutional structure for different NGOs that do not share a common

identity.

At times NGOs, are contrasted with social movements. Much as

proponents of social movements may wish to see movements as being

more progressive and more dynamics than NGOs, this is a false

dichotomy. NGOs are components of social movements. Similarly, civil

society is the broader concept to cover all social activity by individuals,

groups and movements. It remains a matter of contention whether civil

society also covers all economic activities. Usually, the society is seen

as being composed of three sectors: government, the private sector and

civil society, excluding businesses.

NGOs are so diverse and so controversial that it is not possible

to support, or be opposed. They may claim to be the voice of the people

and to have greater legitimacy than governments, but this can only be a

plausible claim under authoritarian governments. However, their role as

participants in democratic debate does not depend upon any claim to

representative legitimacy.

Though, it has no internationally recognized legal definition, an

NGO generally refers to an organization that operates independently

from any government-though it may receive funding from a government

but operates without oversight or representation from that government.

According to the University of London, the history of NGOs dates

back to 1839 and by 1914 there were already more than 1,000 NGOs

with an international scope. Today, there are more than 40,000 NGOs

that operate internationally, while millions more are active at the national

level. For instance, the Chicago Tribune reported in 2008 that Russia

154
had 277,000 such groups, while India has 3.3 million. NGOs have grown

at a phenomenal pace, especially in the last two decades, creating a

need for millions of jobs, both paid and volunteer-based.

And NGOs perform many duties:

x Community health promotion and education (such as hygiene

and waste disposal).

x Education and public safety.

x Managing emerging health crises (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B).

x Community social problems (juvenile crimes, run-aways,

street children, prostitution).

x Environmental (sustainable water and energy resources).

x Economic (microloans, skills training, financial education and

consulting).

x Development (school and infrastructure construction).

x Disaster relief.

x Women’s issues (women’s and children’s rights, counselling,

literacy issues).

11.4.1 Types of NGOs:

Based on the popular NGOs that have been discussed, you have

a clearer understanding of what such an organization does or hopes to

accomplish, but there are many types of NGO, divided into orientation

(charitable, service, participatory, empowering) and level of Operation

(community-based, city-wide, national, and international).

155
NGO types by orientation:

Charitable Orientation often involves a top-down paternalistic

effort with little participation by the "beneficiaries". It includes

NGOs with activities directed toward meeting the needs of the

poor -distribution of food, clothing or medicine; provision of

housing, transport, schools etc. Such NGOs may also undertake

relief activities during a natural or man-made disaster.

Service Orientation includes NGOs with activities such as the

provision of health, family planning or education services in

which the programme is designed by the NGO and people are

expected to participate in its impementation and in receiving the

service.

Participatory Orientation is characterized by the self-help

projects where local people are involved particularly in the

implementation of a project by contributing cash, tools, land,

materials, labour etc. In the classical community development

project, participation begins with the need definition and

continues into the planning and the implementation stages.

Cooperatives often have a participatory orientation.

Empowering Orientation is where the aim is to help poor

people develop a clearer understanding of the social, political

and economic factors affecting their lives, and to strengthen their

awareness of their own potential power to control their lives.

Sometimes, these groups develop spontaneously around a

problem or an issue, at other times outside workers from NGOs

play a facilitating role in their development. In any case, there is

156
 maximum involvement of the people with NGOs acting as

facilitators.

11.4.2. NGO Types by level of operation:

Community-based Organizations (CBOs) arise out of people's own

initiatives. These can include sports clubs, women's organizations,

neighbourhood organizations, religious or educational organizations.

There are a large variety of these, some supported by NGOs, national or

international NGOs, or bilateral or international agencies, and others

independent of outside help. Some are devoted to rising the

consciousness of the urban poor or helping them to understand their

rights in gaining access to needed services while others are involved in

providing such services.

Citywide Organizations include organizations such as the Rotary or

lion's Club, chambers of commerce andindustry, coalitions of business,

ethnic or educational groups and associations of community

organizations. Some exist for other purposes, and become involved in

helping the poor as one of many activities, while others are created for

the specific purpose of helping the poor.

National NGOs include organizations such as the Red Cross,

YMCAs/YWCAs, professional organizations etc. Some of these have

state and cuty branches and assist local NGOs.

International NGOs range from secular gencies such as Redda BArna

and Save the Children organizations, OXFAM, CARE, Ford and

Rockefeller Foundations to religiously motivated groups. Their activities

157
vary from mainly funding local NGOs, institutions and projects, to

implementing the projects themselves.

Lets Sum Up

Sustainable development is important as it saves national

budget, fulfills the need of people, conserves natural resources, helps in

the coordination between the natural resources and the people and also

conserves the natural resources for future generation. An NGO generally

refers to an organization that operates independently from any

government as a charity. The NGO is a non-governmental organization.

Its funds are raised by the government, but it maintains a non-

governmental position, with no need for a government council. They are

also known as civil society organizations. The NGOs are able to educate

the public and put pressure on public policy, they act

as important pressure groups in a democracy. They also mobilize and

organize the poor to demand quality service and impose a community

system to accountability on the performance of grassroots government

functionaries

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What is an NGO ?

2) What is People Centred Approach ?

3) What is Sustainable Development ?

GLOSSARY

158
Pollution : The introduction of harmful materials into the

environment.

Green space : An area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set

apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an

otherwise urban environment.

Industrialisation : The development of industries in a country or

region on a wide scale.

Deforestation : The action of clearing a wide area of trees and

the decrease in forest areas.

Empowering : Make (someone) stronger and more confident,

especially in controlling their life and claiming

their rights.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a non-profit group that

functions independently of any government. NGOs, sometimes called

civil societies, are organized on community, national and international

levels to serve a social or political goal such as humanitarian causes or

the environment.

2) People-centered development is an approach to international

development that focuses on improving local communities' self-reliance,

social justice, and participatory decision-making. It recognizes that

economic growth does not inherently contribute to human development

159
and calls for changes in social, political, and environmental values and

practices.

3) Sustainable development is a way for people to use resources without

the resources running out. It means doing development without

damaging or affecting the environment. It means doing development

without damaging or affecting the environment.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://byjus.com/commerce/meaning-and-features-of-

sustainable-development/

x https://www.ihrnetwork.org/files/3.%20What%20is%20an%20NG

O.PDF

x http://ngos.org/what-is-an-ngo/

MODEL QUESTIONS

1) Explain the term Sustainable development with suitable

examples.

2) What are the reasons for Environmental crisis?

3) What are the different types of NGOs?

160
UNIT - 12

EDUCATIONAL SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

12.1. Social Work in Educational Setting

12.2. Problems in Educational Setting

12.3. Role of Social worker in Education Setting

12.4. Social Work in other Educational Settings

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Education particularly school education, is recognized today as a

fundamental human right. Educated people become more autonomous,

make informed choices and take advantage of the available

opportunities. They are able to maximize their potential and lead more

fulfilled lives. Poorly educated people, on the other hand, are more likely

to be dependent on others. In spite of the recognized importance of

161
schooling, many children do not get enrolled in school or drop-out of it

due to poverty or other reasons.

In such cases, effort is made to teach them by alternative means, such

as non-formal classes or later through adult education programmes. For

them as well, the goal of education remains more or less the same. This

unit will cover on the various problems that prevail in the education

institution and the role of social work in that setting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The student will be able to understand the following learnings by the end

of this unit,

x Understand various problems faced by students in the

educational setting.

x To differentiate various ideologies from each other and

understand them clearly.

x Will be able to elucidate how these ideologies contributed to

social development.

12.1. Social Work in Educational Setting:

Social workers enhance the social functioning of the individuals

through maximum utilization of their inherent potential. Believing in

dignity and worth of people, they hold that sometimes people can be in a

state of disequilibrium due to personal and social challenges. They,

therefore, attempt to prevent and reduce this disequilibrium by linking

people to appropriate social systems and resources. Besides this, they

protect the most vulnerable members of the society from destructive

social influences. By virtue of the work, they are called upon to perform;

162
they develop expertise in building relationships and facilitating

communication.

Social Group Work with the Educational institutions are Setup

many a times for the benefit of the parent, the teacher and they are

aware of the fact that child is facing stress in school or college Even if

they do, they are not proficient in dealing with the problem. The sources

of stress may from scholastic difficulties in maintaining relationship. The

organizational dynamic of schools also makes an impact on the social

and academic adjustment of children and the adolescents

Sources of Stress School policies such as rules for conduct and

manner of rule enforcement, number of teachers, their training and

educational status, etc., all of these can be potential sources of stress.

Pressure from the parents and the teachers for achieving high standards

of academic performance and social behavior, are the most common

sources of stress.

Social workers enhance the social functioning of the individuals

through maximum utilization of their inherent potential. Believing in

dignity and worth of people, they hold that sometimes people can be in a

state of disequilibrium, due to the personal and the social challenges.

They, therefore, attempt to prevent and reduce this disequilibrium by

linking people to appropriate social systems and resources. Besides this,

they protect the most vulnerable members of society from destructive

social influences. By virtue of the work, they are called upon to perform,

they develop expertise in building relationships and facilitating

communication.

163
 The services of social workers are being used by social

institutions desirous of working effectively with people. The social

workers are being employed by hospitals, educational institutions,

prisons, industry, etc. All these are secondary settings for the social

work practice. In other words, social work in these institutions is not the

leading profession, but helps other professions in carrying out their tasks

and the skills of social workers that are used in improving the efficacy of

the education sector. By maintaining the school-home-community

linkage, they help education achieve its central purpose. They prevent

ordeal with behavioral, economic, familial and scholastic problems,

which interfere in learning. Relieved off the pressure, the learner then

makes the maximum utilization of learning experiences. In short, social

work represents the human factor in education.

12.2. Problems in Educational Setting:

Social worker is a vital asset in the educational setting: a link

between students, parents and the institution.

The role of a school social worker involves wearing many hats, including

truancy officer, case manager, student and parent advocate, student

mediator, counsellor and distributor of resources. Typically, they are the

only social worker on site, and they serve a unique role within their

schools.

School social workers provide interventions regarding a wide range of

social, school, family and emotional issues that may impact negatively

on school engagement and learning, including:

x Social and emotional

164
x Grief and loss

x Mental health issues

x Trauma, abuse and neglect

x Discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and

sexual attraction

x Life transitions and family change

x Personal and social skill development, e.g. problem-solving,

anger management

x Bullying and anti-social behaviours

x Disability

x Alcohol and other drugs

x Social relationships and supports

x Exclusion of students on the basis of perceived cultural, linguistic

or otherdifference

x Students in juvenile justice, out-of-home care

x Family issues

x Family relationships and parenting

x Family poverty

x Family violence

x Child abuse and neglect

x Housing and transience

x Limited community and social supports

165
 x Alcohol and other drugs

x Schooling issues

x Home-school relationship

x Support for students with disabilities

x Engagement and attendance

x Need for a modified curriculum, wellbeing strategies and learning

environments

12.3. Role of Social worker in Education Setting:

Social work plays a major role in schools. The social worker, with

the help and support of the teachers and parents, can intervene in the

problem areas and try to rectify the personal or group issues that exist in

the educational field. Scholastic under achievement is one of the

common problems in schools and may be due to the physical causes or

endocrinal or neurological problems.

Roles Social worker in Educational Institution

x Enabler

x Broker

x Advocate

x Activist

x Mediator

x Negotiator

x Educator

x Initiator

x Co-coordinator

166
 x Group Facilitator

x Communicator and Interpreter

The social worker uses the methods of casework and group work to

solve problems in schools. The social worker provides counselling to

students and parents, arranges school health programmes, gives sex

education to the students, gives educational motivation to students,

deals with ‘problem’ students’, gives career guidance to students, and

provides behavior modification techniques.

12.4. Social Work in other Educational Settings:

The competencies of social worker can not only be used in the

formal school setting, but in other educational settings also, such as

special schools for the differently abled, non-formal classes for the street

children or in adult education programmes. The goal of the social

worker, however, would vary in accordance with the needs of the

learner and the social realities surrounding them. The social worker

supporting the people with the disabilities requires a special knowledge

of the disabilities and the legislations governing the learner’s rights.

Her work can range from preparing social and development history of

the learner to provision of support and resources to teachers and

parents to enable the learner derive maximum benefit from education.

The social worker associated with non-formal classes for the street

children may have to deal with special issues concerning these children.

The learner may lack adequate food, clothing and supportive

environment. In addition to special teaching needs, the challenges of

violence, crime or sexual abuse may have to be dealt with. The adult

learners have their special needs. The social worker may be called

167
upon to help teacher design learning the programmes in a more

appropriate manner to help the social reality issues faced by them. The

programmes may range from provision of nutrition education to skill

development for effective parenting. The goal of education is not only to

teach, but, to prepare the learner for a healthy functioning in the society.

Such broad-based objectives of education cannot be achieved by the

educators alone. Hence, educational institutions, especially schools, are

increasingly relying on other professionals. One such professional is a

social worker. The social worker brings values, knowledge and skills of

the social work profession to education to help achieve its central

purpose.

Let’s Sum Up

The United Kingdom and United States have the oldest social

work service. The attendance and home-school liaison were its initial

components. Over a period of time, social work service in educational

setting has evolved into various models. Some bold experiments in

school social work have also been made in India. With the successful

demonstration of the utility of social workers, a large number of schools,

world over, a reutilizing their services. However, the competence of

social worker can be used with equal advantage another educational

institution as well.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What are common problems in educational setting ?

2) What are some of the roles of a social worker in Educational

institution

168
 3) Need of Social Work in Educational setting ?

GLOSSARY

Disequilibrium : a loss or lack of equilibrium or stability

Trauma :
Going through very stressful, frightening

or distressing events.

Bullying :
to harm, intimidate, or coerce (someone

perceived as vulnerable).

Endocrinal :
Pertaining to hormones and the glands.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. There are various problems that are common in the educational

institutions, aassisting teachers with behaviour management, social and

mental health issues, child abuse and neglect.

2. Social work plays a major role in the schools, some are as follows

x Co-coordinator

x Group Facilitator

x Communicator and Interpreter

3. Social workers enhance the social functioning of individuals

through maximum utilization of their inherent potential.

Believing in dignity and worth of people, they hold that

sometimes people can be in a state of disequilibrium due to

personal and social challenges.

169
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://www.creativeacademic.uk/uploads/1/3/5/4/13542890/creat

ivity_in_social_work.pdf

x https://www.slideshare.net/bigdreamofamit/adult-education-role-

of-social-worker

x https://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/8308

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Enumerate the problems faced by school students.

2. What are the roles played by School social worker?

3. Write an essay on the role of social worker in schools.

170
UNIT - 13

INDUSTRIAL SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

13.1. Social work in Industrial setting

13.2. Types of problems in Industrial Setting

13.2.1. Preventive and Developmental

13.2.2. Curative

13.3. Role of the social worker in industrial setting

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Industries Business and Industry are not merely profit oriented

institutions, but have social obligations as well, as hence the social

group work that does have plenty of scope in the industry, as it can help

it to achieve its social goals. Today, it is not only the production or the

sale of goods and services that is the managements’ concern, but the

social climate inside the organization, the work structure and the mental

171
health of the employees is of equal concern. In this unit we will be

looking at what are the problems in the industries and how social work is

practiced in industrial setting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The student will be able to understand the following learnings by the end

of this unit,

x Understand about the need of social work in the industries.

x To understand the problems in the industrial setting.

x Will be able to elucidate on the roles of a social worker in the

Industrial setting.

13.1. Social work in Industrial setting:

Industrial social work is mainly related to the labor welfare and

related activities. The aim of the social worker is to improve the life of

workers. The social worker acts as a labor welfare officer and is

responsible for the welfare of workers in industry.

We live in an industrial age. The machine-processed articles supply

most of our daily necessities and have contributed enormously to the

material wealth of the world. Today, the worker finds it possible to enjoy

more leisure and comfort than many of his counterparts a century ago.

Today, if the industrial society has placed at his disposal many comforts,

it has also created a new threat to his economic, social and emotional

security. The everchanging economic and technological conditions

require workers to keep rethinking about their social situation, to go on

making new adaptations, and to create a network of new relationships.

For many people, job consumes most of their time. More than that,

172
personal aspirations, interests, fears, joys, family and community

problems are tied up with the job. Since workers give most of their

working hours and productive ability to the jobs and are left with little

time and energy for other matters, it is not only an ethical responsibility

of the employers, but it is also very important from the production and

efficiency point of view that conditions be created wherein the operatives

could develop satisfying work relationships. The groups and individuals

should be able to live and work together in greater harmony and with

greater satisfaction to all concerned.

Industrial social work can go a long way in improving the social

climate and quality of the human relations in an organization. Human

relations propose in general that productivity should be achieved by

means of building and maintaining employee dignity and satisfaction

rather than at the cost of these values. In social work, human dignity is

always upheld and the man is helped to integrate and adapt to his social

environment.

13.2. Types of problems in Industrial Setting:

Industrial social work may be regarded as specialization coming

within the field of Personnel Management. It means that the personnel

man hands over the part of his function to the social worker, namely,

looking after the personal well-being of individuals and groups within the

undertaking. Of late, there is a growing incidence of social work activities

being undertaken by the respected organizations, who have felt the

need to call upon the skills of the professionally trained social worker in

handling personnel problems of their employees, in so far as they

seriously interfere with their work life and affect productivity.

173
 Industrial social work can go a long way in improving the social

climate and quality of human relations in inorganization. Human relations

propose in general that productivity should be achieved by means of

building and maintaining employee dignity and satisfaction rather than at

the cost of these values. In social work, human dignity is always upheld

and man is helped to integrate and adapt to his social environment.

There is plenty of scope for social work practice in industry. This is

because, the larger the organization more complex are the problems

faced by human beings. In small organizations, the employees have

direct access to the managers and so many of their problems get sorted

out early. In larger organizations, there is no such opportunity for the

employees, as everything has to go through proper channels and, thus,

they have access only to the supervisors and junior managers, who are

not decision makers. Relationships between the employees and the

management are more formalized and the availability of the

management to the employees is reduced. Paternalistic attitudes

towards employees and authoritarian kind of approach seem more

prevalent inorganizations. A social worker can help the employees to

overcome their problems and continue to function as productive workers.

According to M.M. Desai, the professionally trained social worker can

develop his/her programmes at the following levels:

x Preventive and Developmental

x Curative

13.2.1. Preventive and Developmental:

174
1) Informal educational programmes aimed at enlightening the workers

on issues pertaining to work life like industrial safety, functional literacy,

saving habits, social security, etc.

2) Promoting the use of health and metaprogrammes for the workers

and their families (health check-ups, inoculation campaigns, family

planning, informative sessions on nutrition, low-cost diets, childcare, etc.

3) Personal and environmental hygiene, etc.

4) Developing recreational programmes like library services, prime

sports gatherings, various skill competitions, exhibitions, film shows, etc.

Celebration of the cultural festivals, supplementary income programmes,

hobby classes, vocational guidance programmes, etc.

13.2.2. Curative:

Curative programmes are aimed at handling problem situations

faced by the individual worker by helping him to make maximum use of

his own potentials and the resources offered by the industry and the

community. Counselling to the individual employees and their families

can be given for problems, such as alcoholism, indebtedness, and

absenteeism, etc. The counselling services can be coupled with

concrete assistance by the way of:

1) Securing medical help within or outside industry.

2) Planning the family budgets.

3) Helping employee family members in obtaining funds.

4) Seeking employment for worker’s dependents.

175
5) Referring the worker and and his dependents to the welfare agencies

in the community like child guidance clinic, marriage counselling

bureaus, alcoholic anonymous groups and the like, wherever there Is a

need. Social work skill can be actively used for preventing problems

from happening, as also for enriching the life of the workers and their

families. Early detection and prompt treatments may prevent some

workers from becoming serious casualties.

Social work intervention in the industrial sector can be at micro

and macro level. At micro level, the social worker can provide treatment

to the worker and his family, employer and union members. Help may be

given in relation to the problems related to work, self and others around

them, such as job performance, job satisfaction, absenteeism, conflict

situations, etc. Further problems, such as anxiety, depression, phobia,

mental disturbance, substance abuse, marital and family conflict, may

also be attended to.

At the macro level, it can be organizational intervention where

the social worker can provide individual and group consultation to

supervisors and managers at all levels regarding understanding of

human behavior. The intervention may be in the form of proposing a new

job design. Organizing and planning of the services at the preventive,

developmental and curative levels require basic study of the

organization. It is through an open and sensitive approach, rather than a

predetermined blue print that the intuitive social worker can positively

integrate with the social work objectives with the management

objectives.

176
13.3. Role of the social worker in industrial setting:

It is essential to understand the areas of responsibilities

associated with each functionary, so as to gain a clear perspective of

role and status of the industrial social worker. The development of the

industrial social work in India is recent. It is primarily voluntary and is

influenced by the emphasis placed by the government on certain

programmes in organized sector.

The place of social worker in an industrial organisation is within the

administrative preview of Personnel or Human Resource Management

department. Occasionally is under the direct control of the line

managers. The workers are occasionally involved in the decision making

in the development of the welfare services. However, since he/she is

enjoying autonomy in their day-to-day functioning, they are in a position

to build a purposeful relationship with the operative employees. This will

enable them to relate freely to the social worker with trust and

confidence.

x The social worker, acting as a labour welfare officer, advices and

assists the management to provide welfare amenities for the

workers e.g., canteen, crèche, rest rooms, recreation hall, etc.

x The social worker interacts with the government agencies on the

health and safety of the workers.

x The social worker makes sure that the Welfare Acts are enforced

in the industry.

x The social worker establishes a productive relationship between

management and workers.

177
 x The social worker helps workers to adjust within their working

environment.

x The social worker advices the workers against going on illegal

strikes.

x The social worker advices the management against declaring

illegal lockouts.

x The social worker provides counselling to the workers and their

families

Let’s Sum Up

The industrial social worker with his basic knowledge of human

dynamics and skills in working with individuals at different levels will be a

great asset in individualized service. The industrial social worker has to

project his or her role as helper/moderator/facilitator rather than a

management appointed person. An ongoing coordination between the

training in social work institutions and industries is necessary and useful

for the effective feedback. Industrial social work should emerge as an

accepted professional filed in India, that will enable Human Resource

Managers and Personnel Managers in the effective employee

management and organisational development.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What are the types of problem in an Industrial setting?

2) What are some of the roles of a social worker in industrial

setting?

3) Describe Social work in the Industrial setting and its Scope?

178
GLOSSARY

Personnel : people employed in an

organization.

Authoritarian :
principle of blind submission to

authority, as opposed to individual

freedom of thought and action.

Social Security :
"the security that society furnishes

through appropriate organization

against certain risks to which its

members are perennially

exposed.(ILO)

Absenteeism :
the habitual non-presence of an

employee at their job.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. The larger the organisation, the more complex are the problems

faced by humans. In small organisations, the employees have

direct access to the managers and so, many of their problems

get sorted out early. In larger organisations, there is no such

opportunity for the employees.

2. Family individual and group, counselling and home visit in

relation to adjustment of the work orientation, personality and

other problems at preventive level. Active participation in

corporate social responsibility activities and community

179
 development initiatives of the industry. Employee management

and effective intervention of the labour management problems.

Workers recreation management. Health and educational help.

Co-ordination of welfare services with other welfare agencies.

3. Social work does have plenty of scope in the industry, as it can

help to attain its social goals. Individual relations suggest that in

common, that productivity should be achieved by means of

building and maintaining employee self-esteem and satisfaction

rather than at the cost of these values. In social work, human

self-respect is always upheld and man is helped to integrate and

adapt to his social environment. A social worker can help the

employees to rise above their problems and continue to function

as productive workers.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://socialworkbhu.blogspot.com/2013/12/industrial-social-

work-what-to-do-with.html

x https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/Aug2015/18.pdf

x https://www.slideshare.net/anandrai562/industrial-social-work

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Write a brief notes on Social Work in Industrial setting.

2. What are the types of problems in Industrial settings?

3. Describe the preventive and curative roles of the Social Worker in

Industrial setting.

180
UNIT 14

SOCIAL WORK IN THE COMMUNITY SETTINGS

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

14.1 Social work in the community

14.2 Urban Community Development

14.3 Rural Community Development

14.4 Tribal Community Development

14.4.1 Need for social work practices in the tribal areas

14.5. Major roles of the social worker

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Social work and community development have always been quite

difficult to balance. On one hand, the community development is seen as

one of the tools used by the social workers, working in the community

settings, and it is recognised as a skilled practice within social work

education. On the other hand, community development is a discipline in

181
its own right with its own values, theory and practice history. In this unit

we will look at how social work functions in the rural, urban and tribal

community setting in detail and the various roles played by the social

worker in these communities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This unit will give the student various learning opportunities in the

following areas,

x social work and community development.

x will understand how social work is practiced in rural, urban and

tribal communities .

x The roles of a social workers in the community settings.

14.1. Social work in community:

Community social workers help the communities to function.

Some work directly with individuals, conducting needs assessments and

making referrals to resources in the community. Others assess needs on

a larger scale. They may plan and administer programs. Communities

are made up of diverse groups of people. Individuals who share a

culture, a hobby, attend the same school or even use the same park and

are all considered to the types of communities. The role of a community

social worker is to unite members of these groups to work towards a

common goal, so that the community can function effectively.

Community social workers achieve this by working alongside with the

individuals and the groups. Those working within the field of the

community social work may conduct needs assessments, plan or

administer programs, or allocate resources to the community.

182
Community social work is unique because the community often actively

works alongside the social workers. The group of people who are

affected by the issue in question are naturally invested and passionate in

reaching a resolution

14.2. Urban Community Development:

As a result of the rapid urbanization of the 20th century, the gap

between the urban social work and the rural social work has grown

considerably to reflect the changes in the global, political, economic, and

social forces of these two geographic cultures.

Since, social work is a dynamic field that must stress the unique needs

of the local communities and adjust its focus to address the specific

needs of a locality.

According to the recent statistics from the World Health

Organization (WHO), more than 50% of the world's population lives in an

urban area, but this is predicted to grow to 70% by the year 2050. With

such densely populated areas, urban environments are more likely to

experience large disparities in the socioeconomic status, higher rates of

violent crimes, among the increased presence of the marginalized

populations. Urban communities are also associated with higher

prevalence of psychological stressors that are the direct result of

increased density in the cities.

Since, there are a higher percentage of the persons of the lower

socioeconomic status in the urban areas, these populations often face

barriers in receiving quality social services due to the lack of health

insurance and/or undocumented citizenship. Even more serious use the

183
financial obstacles that prevent the basic access to quality social

services, healthcare, and education often perpetuate the vicious cycle of

poverty from generation to generation. While there are endless

opportunities available in the cities, vast population disparities often lead

to a two-tiered social service system where insured individuals have

access while the marginalized populations lack needed care.

14.3. Rural Community Development:

Due to the fact that the rural communities are often detached

from the other geographic areas by rolling hills, mountains, rivers, farms,

and more, one of the most prominent problems in rural social work is a

limited number of resources. Since, there may not be an in-patient

treatment centre or psychologist within 100 miles, rural dwellers have

considerably less variety with regard to social services available within

their reach. Furthermore, the social service professionals do work in

rural communities, often have limited education and a lack of outside

referral resources to provide the care that is needed to clients.

With a considerably lower population scattered across a broad

region, rural areas tend to have closer communities in which everyone

knows one another. Not only does this mean that tragedies can have a

harmful impact on the mental health of an entire community, but there

may also be confidentiality concerns since there is a high probability that

people are acquaintances outside of a professional setting too. Although

approximately 18% to 22% of individuals are residing in a rural

community, the social work profession has historically focused more on

urban environments despite the challenges that exist.

184
 Although the basic skills that social workers must use are similar

across different communities, it is important for practitioners to hone

their specific skill sets to address the problems that are unique to urban

and rural communities. In order to be successful in delivering effective

mental health services, you must have a firm understanding of the

differences between urban social work and rural social work to ensure

you can serve as an advocate for empowering these diverse vulnerable

populations towards improved well-being.

14.4. Tribal Community Development:

Tribal community is one of the most underprivileged section of a

society who needs some sort of support and a sympathetic approach

towards them in order to sustain sufficiently in this society. They

represent the most primitive livelihood of the race and deserves the

equal rights as that of the civilized people residing in skyscrapers.

The responsibility of social workers is helping individuals, families, and

group of people to cope with problems they’re facing in their daily lives

after patiently listening to their problems and understanding their

difficulties. The main aim of a social worker is educating and

empowering the weaker section of the society to help them emerge

powerful and to stand strong in their own feet independently.

14.4.1 Need of social work practices in the tribal areas areas:

1) Urgency:

The main motive of a social worker is to lend a helping hand

towards the less privileged section of the society, as per which, one of

the main focus points is the tribal people. They need our help urgently to

185
think in a broader aspect, for our country to prosper as a whole. The

main necessary items required to sustain life is food. It is the duty of a

social worker to very urgently ensure that, such community of people are

not starving. A balanced diet not only increases the life expectancy of

the people, but also encourages them to earn their living.

2) Economic and medical support:

The tribal are deprived of the lavish economic prosperity that

their nation does, since the passage of resource is halted somewhere or

the other. Such is the work of a social worker who establishes this chain

of communication via interacting with them and in a way helping them to

flourish. Helping the poor by providing them with the basic necessities of

life is the importance of social workers.

The lack of availability of proper healthcare facilities to the tribal

and the acceptability of medical services to treat any ailments is not

prevalent. A social worker should emphasize in encouraging them to opt

for physicians help in case of any illness and not carry out the traditional

superstitious customs. In this respect, a social worker must take

additional steps to educate them to think in an unbiased manner in any

situation.

3) Means of communication

The innumerable local languages spoken by the different tribal

groups pose a major problem in reaching to them directly. The vast

difference in communication between the upper castes and them very

often stands high in their proper development. The local organisations

who themselves fel attached to the tribal people is best to help the

186
majority of them. This is because; the inhabitants will genuinely trust the

local people than cooperating with a total stranger. Also, ensuring that

they don’t fish out of shallow water in their process of prospering.

4) Innumerable superstitions still prevalent.

Some of the cultural rituals and vague practices are still now

quite prevalent among some of the tribal groups which not only harm

themselves at the personal level, but also keeps them from progressing

towards the all round development. Several ill practices of hurting or

exploiting other human or animals in the name of rituals downgrades

and the entire effort of the government. Now, educating the younger

generation about the science and literature without disrespecting their

beliefs is the goal to be achieved. Still now the practices of witchcraft are

seen in several tribal villages, which is unknowingly torturing the women

for no fault of their own.

5) Assurance that they deserve the best.

The most important aspect of empowering the nation is by

helping each other when in need. Since the tribal are less fortunate to

get all the best facilities for sustaining the life, it is the duty of the

government and the social workers to upgrade their status in the society.

The government has done its part in giving them reservation in

education and the work sectors. Now the social workers part is to

encourage them to lead their lives up to the minimum standards needed.

6) Preserving the environment.

The tribal people are the most down to earth people residing in a

collaborative relationship with nature. They respect and worship the

187
plants and trees and preserves their mother nature in their own

convenient ways. For them, nature is their home and life, thus, serving

the tribal’s will not only impact their livelihood but also preserve the

environment as a whole.

The main aim of the rural and urban welfare projects is to realise

community development. This is a process that supports and

encourages better living for the community as a whole. It requires the

active participation of the people. The main objectives of community

development is to bring about positive socio-economic changes in rural

and urban populations. Different services are provided to achieve this

objective. These services include health, education, housing, recreation,

nutrition, agriculture, industry, animal husbandry and social

development. Role of social worker in rural and urban development.

14.5. Major roles of the social worker:

Enabler: The social worker helps people understand their needs and

problems, and helps them access the available resources.

Guide: The social worker makes people aware of the resources

available within the community.

Advocate: The social worker defends people against injustices in the

distribution of benefits and services, by contacting and challenging

relevant authorities.

Expert: The social worker provides expert advice to people in their time

of need, analyses and makes diagnosis for the effective functioning of

the programmes.

188
Therapist: The social worker deals with deep-rooted problems of people

and makes them aware of the disruptive forces operating in their lives.

Informer: The social worker spreads information regarding various

developmental programmes and the actual benefits available from them.

Helper: The social worker helps the poor to get the full benefits of

developmental plans and advices them on their proper utilization.

Promoter: The social worker promotes the value of self-employment,

arranges suitable training facilities and mobilises required resources to

achieve this.

Let’s Sum Up

The development of strong, vibrant, and healthy communities has

long been a tenet of the social work profession. As facilitators,

organizers, counselors, and advocates, social workers have an

important voice in helping communities overcome the barriers to

necessary change. They also provide the energy for transformation -

empowering residents with the knowledge, resources, and capacity to

self-direct and self-govern their lives and circumstances. Through this

unit we have understood how social work is practiced in Rural, Urban

and Tribal communities.

1. Why social work is needed in tribal communities ?

2. What is Urban Community Development ?

3. Role of a social worker in Community setting ?

GLOSSARY

Resources : natural sources of wealth or features to

189
 improve quality of life.

Stressors : something that causes a state of strain or

tension.

Barriers : obstacle that prevents movement or

access.

Superstitious : an irrational abject attitude of mind toward

the supernatural.

Animal husbandary : the science of breeding and caring for

farm animals.

Recreation : activity done for enjoyment when one is

not working.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Tribal community is one of the most underprivileged section of a

society who needs some sort of support and sympathetic approach

towards them in order to sustain sufficiently in this society. Tribals,

specifically the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes under Indian

constitution are considered most backwards. The responsibility of social

workers is helping individuals, families, and group of people to cope with

problems they’re facing in their daily lives after patiently listening to their

problems and understanding their difficulties.

2. Community development is a broad term given to the practices of civic

activists, involved citizens and professionals to build stronger and more

190
resilient local communities. Community development seeks to empower

individuals and groups of people by providing them with the skills they

need to effect change in their own communities. These skills are often

created through the formation of large social groups working for a

common agenda.

3. Community social workers help communities function. Some work

directly with individuals, conducting needs assessments and making

referrals to resources in the community. Others assess needs on a

larger scale. They plan and administer programs.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/faq/what-are-the-

unique-differences-between-urban-and-rural-social-work-practice

x https://www.chandamama.in/story/2020/12/07/importance-of-

social-work-practice-in-tribal-areas

x https://socialworklicensure.org/types-of-social-

workers/community-social-workers/

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. What do you mean by the term Urban Community Development?

2. Explain the term Rural Community Development

3. Explain the term tribal Community development and elaborate the

need for Social Work in Tribal

191
UNIT 15

CRIMINAL AND CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATION

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

15.1. Social work in Correctional setting

15.2. Different kinds of Correctional Institutions

15.3. Social Worker’s tasks in Correction Setting

15.4. Role of correctional social worker

Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Suggested Readings

Model Questions

OVERVIEW

Social Work is a fast developing profession. Its focus is on the

interaction between individuals and systems in the social situation.

Individuals are dependent on systems for help in obtaining material or

emotional resources, services and opportunities they require to actualize

their aspirations and to help them cope with their life tasks. It has been

asked by many, whether the principles of social work are applicable in

the correctional settings. The answer is affirmative, so different methods

of social work, like casework and group work are applicable in

correctional institutions besides probation and parole. There are

192
restrictions, which the correctional settings impose upon the delinquent

or criminal. In this unit we will look at the role and responsibilities of a

social worker in Correctional setting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This unit will give the student, various learning opportunities in the

following areas,

x Social work in Criminology and Correctional setting.

x The roles and responsibilities of a social worker in correctional

institutions.

x Different types of correctional settings.

15.1. Social work in Correctional setting:

A Correctional setting (or Criminal justice social workers or

prison social workers which are synonymous) as they are sometimes

called are social workers whose clients are, have been or may soon be

imprisoned or incarceration. Social workers in correctional or criminal

justice settings have two basic ethical and professional obligations:

(1) to ameliorate the mental health needs of their clients, to return

individuals to the community who will be productive, and

(2) to serve the interests of the public safety. In America’s criminal

justice system, clear needs to provide rehabilitative services and change

policy to better help inmates. Prisons are a challenging place to work

and social workers have had to fight in order to win a measure of

influence in this complicated environment.

A corrections social worker, also commonly referred to as a prison or

jail social worker, is a mental health professional who works in the

correctional field. They may run programs with inmates and ensure

193
prisoners who are ready to return to the society upon their release from

prison.

Social workers can play a key role in reducing the recidivism.

Correctional or Criminal justice social work includes:

1.Providing mental health and substance abuse counseling;

2.Finding alternatives to incarceration, such as rehabilitation programs

for low-level offenders;

3.Helping formerly incarcerated individuals negotiate successful reentry

into society;

4.Working with clients to change patterns of criminal behavior;

5.Advocating for clients within the criminal justice system;

6.Advocating for policies that address both clients’ interests and need for

public safety;

7.Work in the areas of Parole Programmed Juvenile Courts

8.Working with communities to eliminate the root causes of criminality.

. In correction, Social Work not only helps individuals, groups and

community to solve problems, but also assists them to prevent offending

behavior and enrich daily living. So, the main focus of the social worker

is upon helping people to prevent and control crime. The social worker

usually works with clients on a conscious level, helping them to face

realities and solve problems in preventing and controlling the offending

behaviors.

In correction, Social Work is an art because it requires great skills to

understand delinquent and criminal behavior. It is a science, because of

its problem-solving method and its attempt to be objective in determining

delinquent and criminal activities and in developing principles and

operational concepts to deal with delinquency and crime. It is a

194
profession because it encompasses the attributes of a profession in

dealing with the offending behavior.

To deal with officially identified delinquents and criminals, every

democratic society has created a system of correctional agencies.

These agencies have been given the task of administering the penalties

assigned to delinquents and criminals. These agencies are expected

to protect the community during the offender’s period of supervised

status by controlling misbehavior. Furthermore, they are expected to

help the offender, so that he can return to the normal status, better able

to be a constructive member of the community. Probation and Parole are

the two main agencies in the correctional system.

15.2. Different kinds of Correctional Institutions:

Different kinds of correctional institutions are as follows:

x Borstal Schools

x Prisons

x Schools for Juvenile Delinquents

x Remand/Observation Homes

x Beggar Homes

x Reception Centres,

x Protective Homes

x State Homes, Probation Hostels

The nature of the penalties, which these agencies administer, is

essentially for a handicapped personal and social status. This period of

down-graded status is spent under supervision either in an institution or

in the community under the guidance of a correctional social worker. The

handicaps inherent in this status include;

195
 x Loss of certain civil rights, such as voting, rights to enter into

certain contracts, etc.

x Loss of liberty

x Restrictions on mobility

x Restrictions on privacy: i.e., the offender must keep in contact

with the supervising officer and must discuss most aspects of

his basic social adjustment.

x In correctional agencies, social workers may be known by such

titles as classification officer, treatment worker, caseworker,

group worker, diagnostic clinic worker, house master, etc. Among

these, in the social treatment point of view, caseworker and

group worker stand out prominently. It is the characteristic

feature of the social work tasking the correctional setting that the

worker may need to engage the administration in identifying

needed services and in reformulating job description, so that the

correctional setting, may benefit from a fuller use of social work

skills.

15.3. Social Worker’s tasks in Correction Setting:

1) Act as the officer of the court or other quasi-judicial body to

investigate and report about the offender and his social situation,

contributing the results of such social observations in an appropriate and

meaningful way to the making of the legal decisions

2) The general control plan provided in the status is individualized

according to the client’s need for constructive social control. Controls are

provided by the social worker in such way that the client is supported in

196
viably conforming the behavior and the inner growth toward, self-control

is stimulated.

3) Help the involuntary client to handle the stress produced by the law

enforcement and correctional process constructively.

Become motivated to ask for and use help in the modification of the

delinquent and criminal behavior.

Modify the behavior in the direction of increasingly viable conformity with

social expectations.

4) As the formal authority person in the delinquent or criminal’s life, work

with either authorities associated with the client (parents, teachers,

employees, social agencies, institutional personnel) in such a way that:

x The problems of these authorities with the delinquent or criminal

are alleviated.

x The activities of the authorities support the delinquent or

criminal’s efforts towards the delinquent.

x The delinquent or criminal is more soundly linked with the

resources of his groups and his community.

5) Administer a case load or group load in such a way that:

x The social worker’s decisions are appropriate and responsible.

x The decisions of the other personnel in the administration of

criminal justice are respected, implemented, and appropriately

influenced by the social worker’s knowledge.

x The necessities of legal and administrative deadlines are

observed.

x 6) Enact a role in a multidiscipline agency involving shared

decisions and teamwork obligations in partnership with:

197
 x Personnel from other professions,

x Personnel in the same role as his, but with other educational

backgrounds, Personnel with sub-professional assignments and

backgrounds,

x Personnel from other agencies in the administration of criminal

justice,

x Personnel in other agencies who have served the

delinquent/criminal or will do so in the future.

7) Take a responsible part in the social change of the correctional

institution and in the development of the field of service of the

correctional institution, contributing from his professional knowledge and

experience to the determination of policy.

8) Contribute to the developing of the professional knowledge of social

work in corrections.

15.4. Role of correctional social worker:

1) Social worker receives the offender affectionately.

2) Tries to understand the problems of the client with empathy.

3) Establishes rapport and provides opportunities for free

expression of feelings.

4) Tries to bring about attitudinal and behavioral changes.

5) Screens the offender through close observation.

6) Prepares a treatment plan for the offender after case study and

diagnosis.

7) Visits the home of the offenders and makes contact with their

parents.

198
 8) Tries to change the attitude of others toward the offender.

9) Tries for the release of the offender.

10) Works for the rehabilitation of the offender.

Let’s Sum Up

Juvenile delinquency and crime are major problems of modern

society. Social work has an important role to play in the control

correction and prevention of delinquency and crime. Social work

attempts to help the individual, his family and the community to face and

solve delinquency and crime through the utilization of individual, family

and community resources. Casework, group work, and community

organisation arethe basic processes utilized by the social worker in

correctional settings. The correctional social worker is given authority in

order to change the way offenders(clients) express values in action. All

social workers work with theoffenders in terms of values. More than any

other function, the correctional social worker’s task is defined in terms of

changing values of the delinquent or criminal, so that they become

suitable in action with the values of the society. The social worker helps,

particularly the police departments, courts, probation, institutions, parole

and prevention. Therefore, professional social work in correctional

settings is a comprehensive constructive social attitude, therapeutic in

some instances, restraining in some instances, but preventive in its total

social impact.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) Why social work in Correctional Settings ?

2) What are different kinds of correctional institutions ?

3) Role of a social worker in Correctional Setting ?

199
GLOSSARY

Ameliorate : "to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a

standard,

Incarcerated : the act of imprisoning someone or the state of being

imprisoned.

Quasi-Judicial : A judicial act performed by an official who is either

not a judge or not acting in his or her capacity as a

judge.

Delinquent : tending to commit crime, particularly minor crime.

Empathy : the ability to understand and share the feelings of

another.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. A Correctional setting as they are sometimes called are social

workers whose clients are, have been or may soon be imprisoned or

incarcerated. Prisons are a challenging place to work and social workers

have had to fight in order to win a measure of influence in this

complicated environment. Social workers can play a key role in reducing

recidivism.

2. Correctional institution is nothing but the institution maintained by the

government. Types of correctional institutions are as follows, 1) Prisons

2) Observation homes 3) Special homes 4) Children homes 5) After-

care organization 6) Protective home for women 7) Short stay home

Beggars home and 8 ) Probation .

200
3. Social work has a significant role to play in the field of corrections.

With its goal of restoring and enhancing the social functioning ,social

work professionals help the offenders in correcting and modifying their

personality and to reintegrate them back into the society.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x Https://www.academia.edu/24415555/CRIMINAL_JUSTICE_SY

STEM_SOCIAL_WORK_AND_CORRECTIONS

x https://www.slideshare.net/RahulMahida1/correctional-setting-in-

social-work

x https://juniperpublishers.com/gjaa/pdf/GJAA.MS.ID.555580.pdf

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Enumerate the role of Correctional Social worker

2. What are the different kinds of correctional institutions

3. Write a note on Social worker’s task in correctional setting with

suitable example.

201
UNIT - 16

MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORK

STRUCTURE

Overview

Learning Objectives

16.1. Medical and Psychiatric Social work

16.2. Scope of Medical and Psychiatric Social Work

16.2.1. Direct services

16.2.2. Case management/case coordination

16.2.3. Program development, management and

leadership

16.2.4. Community development and mental health

promotion

16.2.5. Program and policy practice development

16.2.6 Development Research and evaluation

16.3 Role of MSW In Hospitals

16.3.1 Counseling

16.3.2 Care Planning

16.3.3 Financial Assistance

16.3.4 Assessment

16.3.5 Advocacy

16.3.6 Legal Assistance

202
 Let us sum up

Glossary

Answers to check your progress

Model Questions

Suggested Readings

OVERVIEW

Medical and Psychiatric Social Work is the application of social

work methods and practices in the field of medicine and psychiatry. It is

the social work practiced in psychiatric settings, de-addiction centers etc.

It is both a science and art as the social work belongs to the discipline of

art and psychiatry belongs to discipline of science. Psychiatric patients

cannot be treated by medicines alone. He needs both psychological and

social treatment. Social treatment is necessary because a person’s

social conditions gets disturbed due to the psychiatric illness. Psychiatric

social worker needs knowledge in both the fields of psychiatry and social

work.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This unit will give the student various learning opportunities in the

following areas,

x Medical and Psychiatric Social work and its importance.

x The roles and responsibilities of a social worker in the medical

setting.

x Scope of the Medical and Psychiatric Social Work.

16.1 Medical and Psychiatric Social work:

203
 Psychiatric social work is an exclusive type of social work that

involves caring, providing medical help to those persons who are

severally mentally ill, and who are hospitalized or facing other types of

intensive psychiatric help. Social Workers in this demanding field must

work closely with individuals suffering from complex and hard to manage

conditions. Psychiatric social workers may also encounter difficulties in

getting the clients the required resources and the support they need to

fully address their problems. However, some individuals grab this work

for its constant intellectual and professional challenges for the

opportunity to help vulnerable people.

A mentally healthy person is one who feels reasonably secure and

comfortable in the normal social and personal situations. Such

individuals have a sense of belonging and are able to meet the day-to-

day demands of daily living. The number of people with mental disorders

is increasing day by day due to personal, social, employment and

economic pressures of modern life.

Psychiatric social workers work in the different clinics and psychiatric

units of the hospital. They mostly work with children and adolescents

those who have behavioral problems, phobias, withdrawal symptoms,

etc. In the hospital, they work with different types of patients, those

suffering from various chronic depressions, drug addiction, and the

psychiatrists finding out the root cause of the problem and after that,

they continue to work as a facilitator in the treatment process.

A social worker works with the children, families, and young

people to identify the problems in the society. It is a challenging and

exciting area to work and it requires both motivation and commitments

204
from personal experiences and as well as professional education and

development. Social workers are very essential members of the

psychiatric care team. Social workers should be trained and skilled in

recovery and rehabilitate mentally ill people.

16.2. Scope of Medical and Psychiatric Social Work:

Depending on the employment setting, social workers in the mental

health field deliver the following professional services:

16.2.1 Direct services

x Assessment, intervention, treatment and support, including

therapy to individuals, their families/carers and groups with

mental health disorders, or to prevent the emergence of mental

health concerns in vulnerable people.

x Mental State Examination and other relevant assessments

across the range of presentations and the lifespan.

x Evidence-based therapeutic treatments for DSM 5/ICD 10 illness

categories.

x Bereavement, grief and loss counselling.

x Family/parent–child interventions, including evidence-based

family interventions.

x Couple therapy and relationship counselling.

x Therapeutic and psycho-educational group programs.

x Assessment and treatments for alcohol and other drug misuse

and dual diagnosis/comorbid presentations.

205
 x Culturally competent interventions and/or referrals for specific

groups.

16.2.2. Case management/case coordination:

x Coordinating intra and inter agency services for the individuals

and the families with complex presentations requiring multiple

levels and types of services/resources.

x Advocacy with services for the clients in order to provide

continuity of the care and safety around admission and discharge

to services.

x Contributing to the resolution of the socio-legal issues and

guardianship issues.

x Crisis intervention (according to relevant state Mental Health

Acts), safety planning, risk assessment and risk management,

referral to required services.

x Responding to the wellbeing and needs of the children, including

those who are vulnerable and at risk.

x Facilitating access to the information, services and resources.

x Coordination of care in relation to mental health and physical

health disorders.

16.2.3. Program development, management and leadership:

x The development, introduction and delivery of the new programs

related and services.

x Overseeing and supporting the development and quality of the

mental health social work workforce.

206
 x Overseeing a mental health program and/or service system,

organisational development.

x Developing and monitoring organisational policy and procedures

x Promoting collaboration between all the disciplines working with

the service.

x Managing staff to provide quality services.

x Managing quality assurance programs.

x The provision of clinical supervision to social workers and other

mental health team members.

16.2.4. Community development and mental health promotion:

x Working with a community to conduct needs analysis, identify

mental health issues and find solutions from a community

perspective

x Preventing unplanned or multiple admissions, reducing

situational crises through establishing strong, supportive

networks, as well as access to appropriate resources

x Advocacy in relation to inequalities in access to the or delivery of

mental health services, especially for vulnerable or

disadvantaged individuals.

16.2.5. Program and policy practice development:

Leading and developing the practice development and change, both for

social work and other disciplines

207
 x Reducing mental health service blockage by identifying and

acting upon factors and issues that may compromise an

individual’s recovery, thereby facilitating their safe, timely and

seamless transition through the mental health sector

x Consulting with key stakeholders about policy and program

16.2.6. Development Research and evaluation:

x Contributing to investment and future planning in the mental

health service delivery by innovative social work practices,

programs and research activities, particularly with vulnerable

populations

x Consulting with professionals who have specialist knowledge as

well as with individuals with the mental health disorders about

research and evaluation projects

x Professional writing and publication in peer reviewed journals

aiming to disseminate practice accountability and effectiveness

16.3. Role of MSW In Hospitals:

The important areas of medical social workers are in hospitals, drug

rehabilitation centers, community health agencies, nursing homes,

mental health facilities and clinics. Most importantly a medical social

worker works to assure that the best interests of the patient are being

met.

16.3.1. Counseling:

x MSWs advice and counsel patients and their families.

x MSWs explain the nature of an illness to them

208
 x The MSWs advise them how to effectively deal with symptoms

and treatment.

x The MSW serves as a grief counsellor to help them deal with the

trauma of experiencing a chronic or an acute illness.

16.3.2. Care Planning:

x Families and patients often don’t know where to turn to get

medical care.

x A MSW assists patients and families in finding and arranging the

services, such as in home care, nursing in home care and

counselling center.

x The Medical Social Women’s work with the medical team and

discuss about care planning.

16.3.3 Financial Assistance:

x As the expense for an acute and chronic illness is very high,

families may not be able to financially provide for the care of an ill

family member

x If the ill person is a parent, financial support for the care of

dependents must also be dealt with.

x MSWs refer and assist the patients in obtaining financial

assistance, food assistance and health care coverage through

city, state and federal programmes

16.3.4 Assessment:

The MSWs assess a patient whether he is severely mentally ill, is a drug

addict or is a victim of abuse with the requirement of doctors or nurses.

209
 x The experienced opinion of a MSW is highly regarded by hospital

staff.

x The MSW evaluates the patient and reports back to the hospital

staff.

x Together hospital staff and MSW collaborate to find the best

approach to help mentally ill, mentally in competent, drug

addicted or abused patients.

16.3.5 Advocacy:

x A MSW acts as a patient advocate

x The MSW acts as an intermediatory between patients and the

medical community.

x They are the voice for people who have communication barriers

or cultural differences that make effective communication

challenging.

x Without the MSWs this type of patients often fall between the

cracks-their health and emotional needs unknown.

16.3.6 Legal Assistance:

x MSWs must take legal action to protect the patient.

x MSWs should take legal actions in the following situations,

a) 1. Parents are unable to take care for their sick child.

b) 2.Accident cases

c) Abuse cases

210
 d) Encounter cases. In these cases, a conservator, a power of

attorney or a public guardian may need to be appointed.

e) These are the various roles adopted by a social worker in

Medical and Psychiatric setting.

Let’s Sum Up

In this unit we saw how Social workers work in the multi-

disciplinary mental health teams and within these teams the social

workers recognize and address the multiple factors contributing to the

specific context of an individual, family or group within the community. In

assessing and intervening in the psychosocial factors affecting the

relationship between the people with a mental illness/disorder, their

significant others and the wider community, they make a significant

contribution to the field. Accordingly, the profession of the social work

has a clear role in the continuum of the mental health services.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1) What does a Social worker do in a Medical Setting?

2) Enlist the Scope of Social work in Medical and Psychiatric

Setting ?

3) Role of a Medical social worker ?

GLOSSARY

Intensive : concentrated on a single subject or into a

short time; very thorough or vigorous.

211
Phobia : an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to

something.

Intervention : action taken to improve a medical disorder.

Therapeutic : relating to the healing of disease.

Chronic : persisting for a long time or constantly

recurring.

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. Medical Social Workers lead the support group discussions, provide

individual counseling, help patients determine appropriate health care

and other health services, and provide support to patients with serious or

chronic illnesses.

2. Answer:

x Counselling

x Care Planning

x Financial Assistance

x Assessment

x Advocacy

x Legal Assistance

x Answer:

x Cooperate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical

or physical condition and to assess client needs.

212
 x Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.

x Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or

plan treatments .

x investigate child abuse or neglect cases and take authorized

protective action when necessary .

x Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds,

needs, or progress.

x Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

x https://work.chron.com/role-social-worker-psychiatry-setting-

27386.html

x https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/what-do-medical-social-

workers-do

x https://www.sciencecare.com/blog/social-workers-role-in-patient-

care-and-advocacy

MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Elaborate the scope of Medical and Psychiatric social work.

2. What are the roles of Medical Social worker.

3. Explain the advocacy role of medical Social Worker with suitable

example.

213
 P.G. DEGREE EXAMINATION –JUNE 2021

SOCIAL WORK

FIRST YEAR

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK

Time: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70

(5 X5 = 25 Marks)

PART-A

Answer any FIVE Of the following in about 300 words each

1. What is profession? What are the characteristics of a profession?

2. State the code of ethics in social work

3. Write any three methods of social work

4. Social work leads to sustainable development – descuss

5. Define human rights. Write the role of social worker in right base

organization.

6. Write an essay on the guiding principles of social work.

7. Write any four objectives of social work.

8. Write the difference between social work and social service

214
 PART-B (3X15=45 Marks)

Answer any THREE of the following in about 1000 words each

9. Explain the principles of social work.

10. Enumerate points on ‘Value ‘and ‘ethics’ in social work.

11. Briefly describe the methods of social work.

12. Enumerate your views of the five year plans in India

13. Trace out the growth of social work education in India.

215
216