Social Work In Australia

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Australia has experienced significant sociological and cultural changes over the past fifty years. Some of these changes include; women more readily entering the workforce; fewer marriages; an increase in de facto relationships; an increase in divorce; (Gilding, 2002, cited by Barnes & Rowe, 2013); technology; and an increasing diversity in migrant families (Poole, 2005, cited by Barnes & Rowe). All of these changes profoundly affect Social work practice with families, this paper will focus specifically how technology, immigration and the authors personal family reflections may inform her social work practice.
It was not long ago the greatest technological interruption was the telephone ringing as the family ate dinner. This is no longer …show more content…

It either has the possibility to enhance communication in the sense that communication is easier and more accessible or it may have a negative effect on communication that affects family connections. Orlando (2013) believes technology is creating new routines that are different from traditional notions of what constitutes family time. Children learn their values at home therefore it is critical that cohesive connections are made not just within the family but for the good of society.
Studies have found links between the excessive use of technology with loneliness (Odaci & Kalkan, 2010, cited by Vangelisti, (2013), the more you use technology the lonelier one is likely to be. Chronic loneliness can lead to many health problems including anxiety, depression, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. In fact, it has been known for many years that people who are socially isolated have poorer immunity to those who are ‘connected’ (Corporation, …show more content…

To attempt to generalise and establish common characteristics of families would be inappropriate as among the ethnic groups living in Australia there are not only ethnic-cultural differences but also class-cultural differences and religious-cultural differences (Jamrozik, 2009).
As a social worker it is necessary to understand the impact that migration has had on the family and consequentially how this may be influencing family dynamics. Some issues could include grief and loss; post traumatic stress; lack of social connectedness; issues accessing welfare and financial support, racism; and a clash of values and customs (Strong Bonds, 2009).
Contemporary family structures are “fluid and evolving” (Collins, Jordan & Coleman, 2013, pg.35) therefore the social worker needs to adopt a extensive definition of family. It is essential they move beyond their individual experience and personal beliefs about what constitutes family to ensure they do not have decreased sensitivity to the validity of different family structures, roles and functioning. Collins, Jordan and Coleman (2013) warn without critical reflection the worker may have biases that creep into their meaning of the terms health and

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