Social Work Profession

Master of Social Work I - Semester 349

  • Directorate of Distance Education, Alagappa University

  • Accredited: ‘A+’ Grade by NAAC, Graded Category–I by MHRD-UGC

Copyright Notice

  • All rights reserved. No part of this material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced without permission from Alagappa University.

  • Publisher: VIKAS® Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

  • Work Order No. AU/DDE/DE1-238/Preparation and Printing of Course Materials/2018, Dated: 30.08.2018

Course Content Overview

Block I: Concept and Definition of Social Work, Historical Development of Social Work

Unit I: Social Work

  • Topics:

    • Introduction

    • Objectives

    • Concept, Definition, Objectives, Principles, and Philosophy of Social Work

    • Answers to Check Your Progress Questions

    • Summary

    • Key Words

    • Self Assessment Questions

    • Further Readings

Unit II: Key Concepts of Social Work

  • Topics:

Unit III: Historical Development

  1. Social Work in UK and the USA

  2. Functions and scope of Social Work in India

Block II: Social Work as a Profession, Methods

Unit IV: Social Work as a Profession

  • Topics:

    • Traits, Values, Ethics, Objectives, Goals, Nature, Scope, Philosophy, Principles, and Functions of Social Work

Unit V: Social Work Education

  • Professional Values and Training

  • Skills, Tools, and Techniques of Professional Social Work

Unit VI: Social Work Methods

  • Social Casework, Social Group Work, Community Organization, Social Work Research, Social Welfare Administration

Block III: Reform Movements in India

Unit VII: Social Reform Movements

  • Importance and impact of various movements.

Unit VIII: Theories & Approaches

  • Role Theory, Problem Solving Theory, Gestalt Theory, Systems Theory

Unit IX: Radical and Marxist Perspectives

  • Feminist Approach; Integrated approaches to social work practice.

Block IV: Models and Trends of Social Work Profession in India

Unit X: Models of Social Work

  • Various models including Relief, Welfare, Clinical, Systems, and Preventive Models.

Unit XI: Trends in Social Work

  • Significant changes in social work education and international perspectives.

Block V: Field Work Training, Fields of Social Work, and Social Work Association

Unit XII: Field Work Training

  • Importance and significance of field work.

Unit XIII: Fields of Social Work

  • Various domains like Family and Child Welfare, Geriatric Social Work, Dalit Welfare, etc.

Unit XIV: Professional Associations in Social Work

  • Discussion on NASW, IASW, IFSW, and national associations like NAPSWI.

Detailed Examination of Units

Block I: Concept and Definition of Social Work, Historical Development of Social Work

Unit I: Social Work
Introduction to Social Work

  • Definition & Objectives:

    • Arthur Fink (1942): "Provision of services designed to aid individuals, singly or in groups… to cope with the present or future social and psychological obstacles that can prevent their full participation in society."

    • Friedlander (1951): A professional service based on scientific knowledge assisting individuals or groups to obtain social and personal satisfaction and independence.

  • Sushil Chandra (Indian): Dynamic activity to raise standards of living and achieve social well-being.

Objectives of Social Work

  • Include solving psycho-social problems, developing democratic values, and providing socio-legal aid.

Principles and Philosophy

  • Social work focuses on remedying psycho-social problems as interlinked with the environment. Misconceptions include equating social work with mere charity.

Unit II: Key Concepts of Social Work

  • Definitions of critical terms: Social Welfare, Justice, Development.

Unit III: Historical Development

  • Overview of social work roots in the UK and USA, emerge from societal changes, voluntary movements, institutional contributions.

Block II: Social Work as a Profession, Methods

Unit IV: Social Work as a Profession
Professional Values

  • Definition of ethics in social work includes respect for individuality, dignity, and self-determining choice.

Goals of Social Work

  • Solve personal and social issues, improve community welfare.

Unit V: Social Work Education
System of Education in India

  • Establishment of basic institutions including TISS and others.

Specialized Activities

  • Calling for comprehensive training focusing on skills, tools, and community engagement.

Unit VI: Social Work Methods
Different Methods Include:

  • Social Casework: Focus on individual adjustment and personal relationships.

  • Social Group Work: Supports cohesive group functioning and community goals.

  • Community Organization: Aims to develop social services in response to community needs.

Block III: Reform Movements in India

Unit VII: Social Reform Movements
Overview & Key Figures

  • Important reform contributions by leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotirao Phule, Gandhi.

Unit VIII: Theories & Approaches
Theoretical Implications

  • Role Theory, Problem Solving, and communication methods explained.

Block IV: Models and Trends of Social Work Profession in India

Unit X: Models of Social Work

  • Definition and examples including welfare, clinical, and developmental perspectives.

Block V: Field Work Training, Fields of Social Work, and Social Work Association

Unit XII: Importance of Field Work

  • Practical training in applying theory; challenges faced by trainees in agencies.

Unit XIII & XIV: Different Fields & Associations

  • Overview of key services provided by social work professionals, types of associations, and their roles in advocating for social work.

Check Your Progress Section

  • Series of questions at the end of each unit to reinforce knowledge and understanding of the material.

Comprehensive Summary & Further Readings

  • Each unit concludes with a summary and suggestions for further literature to deepen understanding.