This course is an introduction to the profession of generalist social work.Basic social work knowledge and values are presented along with an historical overview and perspectives related to the development of the profession.Areas of study include health, welfare, protective services, as well as, demographic and political issues impacting service delivery and the profession.This course is designed to familiarize students with the social work profession and help them decide if they wish to pursue social work as an area of emphasis (major).
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Blog One: Chapter One
Please define social work in your own words. Why do you think people enter into the social work profession? Please ask five people what they think social work is. Please list their answers. What do you think about what they said?
Social work in my own words could be defined as helping others, making a difference, being involved in people's lives and dedicating yourself to changing each life for the better. It is a career choice that is going to be demanding but rewarding at the same time. I believe by choosing this profession the rewarding part will always out do any struggles it may bring. Those that want to make a difference, help other, and like solving problems could be reasons to enter the social work profession.
Here are answers to what people think that social work is...
1."When I hear of a social worker I think of someone who is there to help teenagers when they are in need with their life or their family life."
2."Someone who does stuff with the community."
3."Counseling, or family care."
4."I don't know much about it, but I'd say that it's working for the better of the people of the world, even if you don't necesscarily get paid as much as if you had another career."
5."I think of people that make sure kids are being taken care of in the home and working with children in foster care."
It seems to me that those that I spoke to think that social work is a positive career that brings positive outcome in people's lives. No one seemed to think of social workers as baby snatchers but those that I spoke to are college students.
To me social work is a profession that’s main goal is to assist those in need. Social work consist of people who are willing to make sure that everyone’s needs are met, whether these needs are physical, mentally, socially, emotionally, and sometimes spiritually. Social work should not hinder society but improve it. If I only had one word to describe social work it would be stewardship.
I think people go into this profession because they either have a generous gift of wanting to help people or they have been personally affected by social work. I think those who have been in those struggling situations don’t want others to be, so they take a negative and turn it into a positive.
When asking five people their opinion on “What social work is?” these were the responses I received:
“Social work is a means to empower people and assist them in living a more gratified life.”
“It’s the assurance of a family setting has all the necessary tools to live a healthy, harmonious, and successful life.”
“Social work is helping families in need.”
“Its primary concern is to help those less fortune who don’t know how to themselves.”
“Social work is to identify and treat the ills of society.”
Actually, I think all the responses I received have some truth in them about social work. My goal was to ask people who have different perspectives so I asked a social worker, Ph.D., teenager, senior citizen and M.D.. Even though some answers might not be what you typically expect when asking that question, there are some aspects that fall under the category of social work.
I really like how you mentioned how social work is for the better of physical, mental, social, emotional and sometimes spiritual needs. In whatever field I end up choosing I want to be able to guide others in their walk with Christ and even if in a job I can't speak of Jesus, I can show his love through my actions and thats one reason I am so drawn to social work as a career.
Response to mbblan04: I love the statement you made: "Social work should not hinder society but improve it". Many people I have had conversations with think that all social workers do is get themselves involved in citizens personal lives. This isnt true because, just as the first chapter explained, our world is not perfect and there is a need for people like us to get involved. Our goal is to promote a healthy and safe society and we need to make sure we don't lose our focus when if comes to that goal.
Social Work is assisting those involved in or coming out of situations and or living conditions that are unhealthy, unsafe, traumatic, or mentally and spiritually draining. Social workers provide support and resources to individuals and famlies that need assistance and also take action if need be to get them out of those situations. I think people go into this field because they feel called to fit a need to help develop a better society for all individuals. We all deserve the same basic things and we all have the same needs. When I asked others what they thought social work is, this is the response I recieved: 1) Social work is a type of job that helps out the needy or poor. 2) People connecting with individuals that are misplaced or damaged due to a change in lifestyle. 3) Social work is dealing with people in society. 4) social workers help try to make our world more livable. 5)community help is the primary goal of social work
I think that social work is so broad and not many people know that. In relation to the answers I gained, I think society doesn't know much about what social workers acutally do and therefore the public doesn't have access as much to the helpers as much as they should.
I have so enjoyed reading the posts so far and am blessed to see that the overall image of social work is positive. Yes, even if they do not know the full ramifications, they still see it in more of a positive than negative light! Exciting :)
'To me social work is a way of helping others who really dont have anyone to rely on, or talk to when they are living in an unsafe/ unhealthy environment. I think to be a social worker it takes a special person just because its hard to see and hear about some of the situations that people go through especially children. I think people choose to go into this area because they want to help people get out of situations that they wouldnt be able to get out of by themselves.
Here are some different comments that people made as to what they think social work is:
1. "i think social work is working for other people and helping them" 2. "social work is helping people who are less fortunate" 3. "social work gets kids out of families that are abusive" 4. "social workers help kids who dont have food at home to be able to eat" 5. "a social worker tries to make the world an easier place to live in sort of."
i feel like all of these answers are correct. since social workers do so many things in so many different areas, theres really not a wrong answer as to what a social worker does in most cases. Everyone seems to think that social work is helpful to people, alot assume it deals with kids more, but in reality a social worker helps everyone!
In my own words, I feel that social work is a completely selfless career. Yes, it has benefits such as the satisfaction of helping others and making a difference in the community. However, the sole purpose for the social work profession has nothing to do with the social workers themselves. It is about noticing the needs of others and doing what you can to help meet those needs using available resources.
These are the responses I got about what several think social work is: 1. "working with more troubled and unfortunate families as well as kids who come from those families" 2. "people who go in and remove children from dangerous home situations" 3. "a process of giving oneself, being observant of others' needs, and doing your best to help them using resources" 4. "deals with foster care, adopting, and kids with bad home lives" 5. "trying to help people"
Most of these answers reflect societies narrow view of social work, when in reality it is a very broad field of work.
I feel that people enter the social work profession for various reasons. One reason may be because they have a heart for people and want to help others in any way they can. Others may want to become a social worker due to perhaps situations in their own lives where they were helped by someone in the field.
Social Working to me is a way of making a positive impact in someones life, so that way he or she can become a better person. If I can change a single persons life then maybe he or she can go on to change others as well
In response to mbblan04: I like how you described social work as a form of stewardship. Jesus set the ultimate example of stewardship. He had compassion on all, even those society looked down upon and cared for the needs of those whose lives were broken. Jesus my Savior set the ultimate example and whatever career I decide to pursue I want to be doing something where Christ is reflected through my actions and attitudes.
to knvess14 i really like the way you described what social working it is. it really is just about the people, and noticing the ways we need to help them.
In my opinion social work is a profession that involves many acts of selflessnes and service to others in need. When being involved in social work the main focus is on the lives of others and how they can be helped. Social work takes a kind hearted person who really wants to serve and see life in other perspectivves rather than the small frame that many people see life in. Social work is about having an open mind and being willing to find ways to solve problems.
Other people said that social work is...
1. One person said that they honestly don't know what social work is exactly but they would love to find out. 2. It really helps people in their times of need 3. They step into legal cases to make sure that everything is going well. Social work is a service to communities to provide for those who can't provide for themselves. 4. Social workers do alot of work for societal problems (child protective services) 5. Someone who aids with the process of making situations better for others.
I believe that all of these answers show the societal view as a whole as to what everyone usually thinks social work is. They are all describing the different aspects of social work so you could probably combine all of the answers to get the basic idea of what a social worker is.
In response to knvess14: I completely agree with you when you say that social work isn't about the social worker it is about the needs of others. It's a completely selfless career.
In my opinion, social work is a profession of the government that mainly helps people in some way or form. Social work is a broad work force, but ultimately comes together to unify human well-being. I believe people enter the field of social work mostly to help people. There are many reasons why, but I believe that this is essential. They genuinely care about other people.
When I asked five people of what they think social work is, I received different answers. 1. "They make sure foster kids are in a good home and check on them" 2. "Work that seeks to improve the social life and living conditions of others" 3. "Work on social issues for a government agency" 4. "I don't know...I guess child care" 5. "Studying groups of people and how they get along"
Generally speaking, I think most people don't know what social work is. They may have some vague knowledge of the profession, but ultimately people don't realize that there's a lot more to it.
In response to Alison Lee: I also want to lead others through Christ with the career I choose. That's very important to me. I feel like a social worker who is a christian and has a genuine love for God is far ahead of their game than a social worker who is a non-christian. They have so many more pros for having that relationship with God.
In respone to kness14: I agree that social work is not about yourself but about doing for others and caring for their needs more than your own. I also agree with you that most people have a narrow knowledge of what social work really is. :)
I love how you say social work is a selfless career. This profession is completely devoted to other's needs, not personal glory. Social work is so much more than just helping, it's bettering someone(s) life and truly making a positive impact in society.
I feel that social work is a career that involves you helping others that are going through difficult situations;from school systems,teen pregnancy centers,and nursing homes. I feel that social work is a career that involves genuine people trying to make a positive difference in someones life. I think that people enter into the field of social work because they truly have a heart for others in need. I asked 5 people what they thought social work was and they said: 1. "People who go help people who are in need, but not cops." 2. "Someone helping our someone else in need." 3. "People who try to make families better." 4. "Something that make families stronger." 5. "Something to do with families." Although the students I asked didnt know much about social work, I think that the responses that I receieved were positive ones and didnt change my mind about wanting to enter into this field of work.
Social work is People helping people. when i ask five people what they thought social work was i recieved these answers. 1. getting children out of abusive homes 2. helping battered women escape their abusive relationship 3. talking to kids at schools 4.helping people in the community 5. make peoples lives easier.
some people had great passion with their answers and others not so much. i think mainly everyone had about the same thoughts on social work. i agree with what most of them said
Social work is a career that allows you to help others. Every profession that deal with social work deals with how to help others and how to improve the lives of those in your community. I believe that people enter the field of social work because they want to have an impact in others lives and be able to make a difference for the people around them. They are also kind and caring people that are interested in the well-being of others. When I asked five people what they though social work was these were their responses: 1) "Counseling families and helping them work out their problems" 2) Helping people find resources that they may need(food, clothing, housing, medical assistance, etc.) 3) "Helping people cope with abuse whether it be a drug abuse or some type of physical or emotional abuse" 4) "Helping people that get out of the court system adjust to civilian life after so many years" 5) "Helping people overcome obstacles that may have held them back so that they can move foward and obtain an education and career"
I think that all of the answers were correct. Although they all apply to different areas of social work they all have the same purpose and that is to help others and make their lives better.
In response to knvess14: I agree with you 100% in that social work is a selfless career. People do it so that they can help others and impact the lives of others not just for the money.
Social work in my own words could be defined as helping others, making a difference, being involved in people's lives and dedicating yourself to changing each life for the better.
ReplyDeleteIt is a career choice that is going to be demanding but rewarding at the same time. I believe by choosing this profession the rewarding part will always out do any struggles it may bring. Those that want to make a difference, help other, and like solving problems could be reasons to enter the social work profession.
Here are answers to what people think that social work is...
1."When I hear of a social worker I think of someone who is there to help teenagers when they are in need with their life or their family life."
2."Someone who does stuff with the community."
3."Counseling, or family care."
4."I don't know much about it, but I'd say that it's working for the better of the people of the world, even if you don't necesscarily get paid as much as if you had another career."
5."I think of people that make sure kids are being taken care of in the home and working with children in foster care."
It seems to me that those that I spoke to think that social work is a positive career that brings positive outcome in people's lives. No one seemed to think of social workers as baby snatchers but those that I spoke to are college students.
To me social work is a profession that’s main goal is to assist those in need. Social work consist of people who are willing to make sure that everyone’s needs are met, whether these needs are physical, mentally, socially, emotionally, and sometimes spiritually. Social work should not hinder society but improve it. If I only had one word to describe social work it would be stewardship.
ReplyDeleteI think people go into this profession because they either have a generous gift of wanting to help people or they have been personally affected by social work. I think those who have been in those struggling situations don’t want others to be, so they take a negative and turn it into a positive.
When asking five people their opinion on “What social work is?” these were the responses I received:
“Social work is a means to empower people and assist them in living a more gratified life.”
“It’s the assurance of a family setting has all the necessary tools to live a healthy, harmonious, and successful life.”
“Social work is helping families in need.”
“Its primary concern is to help those less fortune who don’t know how to themselves.”
“Social work is to identify and treat the ills of society.”
Actually, I think all the responses I received have some truth in them about social work. My goal was to ask people who have different perspectives so I asked a social worker, Ph.D., teenager, senior citizen and M.D.. Even though some answers might not be what you typically expect when asking that question, there are some aspects that fall under the category of social work.
In response to mbblan04.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you mentioned how social work is for the better of physical, mental, social, emotional and sometimes spiritual needs. In whatever field I end up choosing I want to be able to guide others in their walk with Christ and even if in a job I can't speak of Jesus, I can show his love through my actions and thats one reason I am so drawn to social work as a career.
Response to mbblan04:
ReplyDeleteI love the statement you made: "Social work should not hinder society but improve it". Many people I have had conversations with think that all social workers do is get themselves involved in citizens personal lives. This isnt true because, just as the first chapter explained, our world is not perfect and there is a need for people like us to get involved. Our goal is to promote a healthy and safe society and we need to make sure we don't lose our focus when if comes to that goal.
Social Work is assisting those involved in or coming out of situations and or living conditions that are unhealthy, unsafe, traumatic, or mentally and spiritually draining. Social workers provide support and resources to individuals and famlies that need assistance and also take action if need be to get them out of those situations. I think people go into this field because they feel called to fit a need to help develop a better society for all individuals. We all deserve the same basic things and we all have the same needs. When I asked others what they thought social work is, this is the response I recieved:
ReplyDelete1) Social work is a type of job that helps out the needy or poor.
2) People connecting with individuals that are misplaced or damaged due to a change in lifestyle.
3) Social work is dealing with people in society.
4) social workers help try to make our world more livable.
5)community help is the primary goal of social work
I think that social work is so broad and not many people know that. In relation to the answers I gained, I think society doesn't know much about what social workers acutally do and therefore the public doesn't have access as much to the helpers as much as they should.
I have so enjoyed reading the posts so far and am blessed to see that the overall image of social work is positive. Yes, even if they do not know the full ramifications, they still see it in more of a positive than negative light! Exciting :)
ReplyDelete'To me social work is a way of helping others who really dont have anyone to rely on, or talk to when they are living in an unsafe/ unhealthy environment. I think to be a social worker it takes a special person just because its hard to see and hear about some of the situations that people go through especially children. I think people choose to go into this area because they want to help people get out of situations that they wouldnt be able to get out of by themselves.
ReplyDeleteHere are some different comments that people made as to what they think social work is:
1. "i think social work is working for other people and helping them"
2. "social work is helping people who are less fortunate"
3. "social work gets kids out of families that are abusive"
4. "social workers help kids who dont have food at home to be able to eat"
5. "a social worker tries to make the world an easier place to live in sort of."
i feel like all of these answers are correct. since social workers do so many things in so many different areas, theres really not a wrong answer as to what a social worker does in most cases. Everyone seems to think that social work is helpful to people, alot assume it deals with kids more, but in reality a social worker helps everyone!
In my own words, I feel that social work is a completely selfless career. Yes, it has benefits such as the satisfaction of helping others and making a difference in the community. However, the sole purpose for the social work profession has nothing to do with the social workers themselves. It is about noticing the needs of others and doing what you can to help meet those needs using available resources.
ReplyDeleteThese are the responses I got about what several think social work is:
1. "working with more troubled and unfortunate families as well as kids who come from those families"
2. "people who go in and remove children from dangerous home situations"
3. "a process of giving oneself, being observant of others' needs, and doing your best to help them using resources"
4. "deals with foster care, adopting, and kids with bad home lives"
5. "trying to help people"
Most of these answers reflect societies narrow view of social work, when in reality it is a very broad field of work.
I feel that people enter the social work profession for various reasons. One reason may be because they have a heart for people and want to help others in any way they can. Others may want to become a social worker due to perhaps situations in their own lives where they were helped by someone in the field.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSocial Working to me is a way of making a positive impact in someones life, so that way he or she can become a better person. If I can change a single persons life then maybe he or she can go on to change others as well
ReplyDeletein response to Sarah Aker, I agree with you I believe that its a profession that helps those who need a positive role model
ReplyDeleteIn response to mbblan04:
ReplyDeleteI like how you described social work as a form of stewardship. Jesus set the ultimate example of stewardship. He had compassion on all, even those society looked down upon and cared for the needs of those whose lives were broken. Jesus my Savior set the ultimate example and whatever career I decide to pursue I want to be doing something where Christ is reflected through my actions and attitudes.
to knvess14 i really like the way you described what social working it is. it really is just about the people, and noticing the ways we need to help them.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion social work is a profession that involves many acts of selflessnes and service to others in need. When being involved in social work the main focus is on the lives of others and how they can be helped. Social work takes a kind hearted person who really wants to serve and see life in other perspectivves rather than the small frame that many people see life in. Social work is about having an open mind and being willing to find ways to solve problems.
ReplyDeleteOther people said that social work is...
1. One person said that they honestly don't know what social work is exactly but they would love to find out.
2. It really helps people in their times of need
3. They step into legal cases to make sure that everything is going well. Social work is a service to communities to provide for those who can't provide for themselves.
4. Social workers do alot of work for societal problems (child protective services)
5. Someone who aids with the process of making situations better for others.
I believe that all of these answers show the societal view as a whole as to what everyone usually thinks social work is. They are all describing the different aspects of social work so you could probably combine all of the answers to get the basic idea of what a social worker is.
In response to knvess14:
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you when you say that social work isn't about the social worker it is about the needs of others. It's a completely selfless career.
In my opinion, social work is a profession of the government that mainly helps people in some way or form. Social work is a broad work force, but ultimately comes together to unify human well-being.
ReplyDeleteI believe people enter the field of social work mostly to help people. There are many reasons why, but I believe that this is essential. They genuinely care about other people.
When I asked five people of what they think social work is, I received different answers.
1. "They make sure foster kids are in a good home and check on them"
2. "Work that seeks to improve the social life and living conditions of others"
3. "Work on social issues for a government agency"
4. "I don't know...I guess child care"
5. "Studying groups of people and how they get along"
Generally speaking, I think most people don't know what social work is. They may have some vague knowledge of the profession, but ultimately people don't realize that there's a lot more to it.
In response to Alison Lee:
ReplyDeleteI also want to lead others through Christ with the career I choose. That's very important to me. I feel like a social worker who is a christian and has a genuine love for God is far ahead of their game than a social worker who is a non-christian. They have so many more pros for having that relationship with God.
In respone to kness14:
I agree that social work is not about yourself but about doing for others and caring for their needs more than your own. I also agree with you that most people have a narrow knowledge of what social work really is. :)
In response to kness14:
ReplyDeleteI love how you say social work is a selfless career. This profession is completely devoted to other's needs, not personal glory. Social work is so much more than just helping, it's bettering someone(s) life and truly making a positive impact in society.
I feel that social work is a career that involves you helping others that are going through difficult situations;from school systems,teen pregnancy centers,and nursing homes. I feel that social work is a career that involves genuine people trying to make a positive difference in someones life. I think that people enter into the field of social work because they truly have a heart for others in need. I asked 5 people what they thought social work was and they said:
ReplyDelete1. "People who go help people who are in need, but not cops."
2. "Someone helping our someone else in need."
3. "People who try to make families better."
4. "Something that make families stronger."
5. "Something to do with families."
Although the students I asked didnt know much about social work, I think that the responses that I receieved were positive ones and didnt change my mind about wanting to enter into this field of work.
Social work is People helping people. when i ask five people what they thought social work was i recieved these answers.
ReplyDelete1. getting children out of abusive homes
2. helping battered women escape their abusive relationship
3. talking to kids at schools
4.helping people in the community
5. make peoples lives easier.
some people had great passion with their answers and others not so much. i think mainly everyone had about the same thoughts on social work. i agree with what most of them said
Social work is a career that allows you to help others. Every profession that deal with social work deals with how to help others and how to improve the lives of those in your community. I believe that people enter the field of social work because they want to have an impact in others lives and be able to make a difference for the people around them. They are also kind and caring people that are interested in the well-being of others.
ReplyDeleteWhen I asked five people what they though social work was these were their responses:
1) "Counseling families and helping them work out their problems"
2) Helping people find resources that they may need(food, clothing, housing, medical assistance, etc.)
3) "Helping people cope with abuse whether it be a drug abuse or some type of physical or emotional abuse"
4) "Helping people that get out of the court system adjust to civilian life after so many years"
5) "Helping people overcome obstacles that may have held them back so that they can move foward and obtain an education and career"
I think that all of the answers were correct. Although they all apply to different areas of social work they all have the same purpose and that is to help others and make their lives better.
In response to knvess14:
I agree with you 100% in that social work is a selfless career. People do it so that they can help others and impact the lives of others not just for the money.
i agree with kness14 because i too aknowledge the need for selflessness in social work. it is about helping other people
ReplyDelete