Concept and Meaning of Social Work

Concept 
It is very common to know that the concept of social work is often interrelated with the concept of charity work, philanthropic service, social justice, social security, social reform, and social welfare. The relative concepts of social work are found in other social sciences like sociology and psychology from which social work draws so many concepts and theoretical bases and established itself as an independent recognized discipline of the present century. Hence it is often regarded as an amalgamation of many disciplines. Social work is a comparatively new profession. Its ability to administrate and influence relevantly on the concept like social policy, social legislation is true multidimensional prospectives itself, 
Introduction 
In the era of ancient times, people who were considered to be poor and physically weak were largely taken care of by their families and communities. As the ages passed through the process of changes and developments appeared in the lives of the people. They had to encounter new social challenges and social problems. The process of development and the emergence of urbanization had given birth to many new problems. And the social life of people becomes very complex and was in need of social solutions. 
Now let's analysis some of the definitions to make our understanding more clear.
Definitions and Meaning 
Cheyney Alice 1926
Social work
Cheyney and Alice have given emphasize on the following points to understand social work.
  • It is about voluntary attempts to responding to the needs.
  • An attempt with scientific knowledge and methods.
Witmer 1942
The prime function of social work is to give assistance to individuals in regard to the difficulties they encounter in their use of an organized group service or in their performance as a member of an organized group.
Following core points, we draw from Witmer's definition.
  • The functions are to provide assistance to individuals.
  • And the use of organized group service.
Friedlander1955
Social work is a  professional service, based on scientific knowledge and skills in human relations, which assist individuals, alone or in groups to obtain social and personal satisfaction and independence".
Friedlander pointed out some of the important factors of social work in the following.
  • Social work is a professional service.
  • It is based on scientific knowledge and skillset is to assist the individual or groups to attain personal and social satisfaction of life.
Indian Conference of Social Work 1957
Analysis of the definition
From the discussion of the above definition and theoretical statement, we draw the kind understanding of social work that a
  • Social Work is a professional Service and scientific knowledge in its approach.
  • It gives more emphasizing on examining and synthesizing human behavior in the social environment and deal them accordingly.
  • Social and Individuals problems are solved by the implication of various social work skills and methods. 
  • It believes in democratic values 
Conclusion.
Social work is now an academic discipline and a modern profession. Which is very much concern itself for individuals, groups, communities and ultimately for society.  It works for social cohesion and social development. The scientific approaches of social work aim at transformation, empowerment and social development through the base of social work knowledge and application of professional competencies.




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