Assignment Summary This paper attempts to examine York’s School of Social Work’s mission statement and how elements of the critical theory, values and history shape the framework that the school has adopted. The theory consists of six principles that help shape the profession and its core values. Each principle will be studied in detail through the use of history and values that defines what Canada is today, both in and out the profession. However, this paper will also consider the flaws of the critical theory in practice. Overall, the examination of history, values and critical theory will serve as guiding threads that construct York’s School of Social Work mission statement and the framework it dominates. Critical Social Work practice is an ideological framework that bridges the gap between a dichotomous approach, in which there is struggle between delivering services to the individual or targeting social structures (Salas et al., 2010, p. 91). A practitioner analyzes the macro and micro levels to determine the best course of action (Hayden, 2016). York University uses critical social work as their framework to avoid a dichotomous practice by presenting an innovative mission statement which is in align with the theory’s principles. Critical theory consists of six components which include the following: historical context of the situation, power distribution, self- reflection, non-judgemental inquiry, acknowledgement of values and taking action (Salas et …show more content…
One must consider their practice from a micro to macro perspective, in order to avoid a dichotomous approach. York’s School of Social work aims to do so through the presentation of an innovative mission statement that aligns with the principles of Critical Theory. Each of the six principles are considered with the history and values, both in and out of the profession. It aids in building a framework that ensures commitment to advocate social
Morales, A., Sheafor, B. W., & Scott, M. E. (2012). Social work: a profession of many faces. (12th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
The social justice piece is very important in social work’s Code, as it distinguishes social work from other helping professions, and radical social work is justice motivated. Traditional social work follows more along the lines of the medical model and social justice may be set aside in the interests of helping those who can pay or have health insurance learn coping skills. The social justice and competency standards written into the Code must not be forgotten or set aside. Jemal is calling for radical social workers to keep these standards as their goals and
This class, Social Work Theory & Practice was made to be able to introduce me to social work theories, ideas, and skills needed to work in the social work profession. This class main tool used was a book called A Brief Introduction of Social Work Theory by David Howe which discusses social work theories in a compressive and explainable way. This class is important to my higher learning because it break down the theories that I will need to use during my practice and a...
Social workers should be able to define and describe main social work paradigms, philosophical and ideological approaches and appreciate their implications to practice, policy and research. Social workers should be also able to identify interrelations between social work paradigms, social policy and social
When pursuing a degree in social work, one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences within the degree aspect is the capstone project. The capstone is a multi-integrative assignment that is structure to provide social work students with the opportunity to apply their academic, professional and personal experience in the field through the application of a project. With allowing students to master the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics needed for effective social work practice, the capstone project also provide a development to really contribute in the knowledge of the profession. All social work capstone projects encourage students to unite their work to community issues and problems through learning, observations and internship. This paper examines the values, policy, conceptual framework, group
Open University (2011) K(ZW) 315 Critical Practice in Social Work, CDA1, Panel Discussion on Critical Practice (Tracks 1-5), Milton Keynes, The Open University.
Perhaps one of the most versatile and diverse careers is social work, as this career works with individuals struggling with substance abuse, low-income families, and homeless individuals. Social work is a profession that is concerned with solving personal, group, and community relationships (Farley, Smith, & Boyle, 2011). Among some of the most important aspects of social work are the restoration of impaired social functioning, the provision of social services, and prevention (Farley et al., 2011). Reducing problems in human relationships and improving human interactions among individuals are the major focuses of this profession, regardless of which people group the social workers are serving (Farley et al., 2011). Even though it is a relatively new profession, social work has existed in various forms throughout history. However, the beginning of social work’s development as a profession was primarily European in origin, with the ideals spreading to the United States
NABSW stands for National Association of Black Social Workers. Their mission statement: “Committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research. They will work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial dominating economic exploitation, and cultural oppression.” The Code of Ethics that NABSW is to protect the black community, black individual, and family. Their focus is making sure that the black community is treated fairly and equal rights as their counterparts.
The following paper aims to discuss and analyze the way in which my personal values intersect with the values I hold as most important within the profession of social work. It would stand to reason that these values would stand on common ground; however, there are places where my personal and professional values diverge. These conflicts may prove to be problematic within my chosen career unless I find a way to prioritize my values, or find ways for them to work harmoniously with each other.
(2009) Critical social work: Theories and practices for a socially just world. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .
According to A.J. Mills, T. Simmons and J.H. Mills a critical approach is defined as “one that takes as its starting point a concern to address those aspects of organizations arrangements that have a negative impact on people” (2005, p.13). The purpose of the approach is to critically analyze organizations and bureaucracies as this not only allows for a better understanding of social issues but also aims towards the promotion of social justice and equality. The critique ultimately delves the harmful effects organization and bureaucracies can have on people (Mills et al., 2005). Thus, the critical approach will be used to guide me through my analysis of the issue that I experienced at my agency, as it not only negatively impacted the patient but me as a social worker as well. Analyzing through a critical lens allows for a better understanding of the organizational and structural conditions that ultimately shaped my decision and forced me to face an ethical dilemma resulting of the issue at hand.
This is why social workers must also be critical thinkers. Critical thinking applied to the social work profession involves “the ability to define an issue, stressor, or problem; to distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge to formulate a tentative practice direction” (Gitterman & Knight, 2013). Theories, as well as research, “about phases of individual, family and group development; about ethical, racial, religious, spiritual, and sexual identity development; and about individual, family, and group development” provide social workers with a basic starting point for a more complex and situational-based intervention plan that will later be developed. In social work practice, intervention plans and assessments are not blindly developed, but rather based off theory and research. Therefore, although social work is a profession of artistry and creativity; it is also a scientific profession enhanced by the use of theory and
The social work profession is defined as “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people (ISFW, ‘Global Definition of Social Work’, 2016).” The definition may be true about the profession but it is more in depth than just that. To me, the profession’s primary focus is to help others through life as much as we can while letting them make their own choices and guiding them. In society, social workers are utilized in many different nonprofit and government roles. They serve the community in many different ways from monitoring parent visits to helping people through mental illnesses. Human beings are so complex and things that happen
The work of a social worker is complex and all encompassing. Social workers work in many capacities seeking justice, liberation, and equality. There work is global, as they work to put policies in place to govern practices. To keep up with societal shifts and generational changes there learning is continuous. As new questions rise so does the need for the continuation of research, not only to answer these questions but to implement into