Download - Popple5 c1[1]
CHAPTER 1The Policy-Based
ProfessionThe Policy-Based Profession
An Introduction to Social Welfare Policy Analysis
for Social WorkersFifth Edition
Philip R. Popple & Leslie LeighningerSlides by Heather Kanenberg, University of Houston, Clear Lake
This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law:
•Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; •Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; •Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.
The Target of Social Work: Individuals & Society
• The focus of social work is upon not just the individual and their immediate needs
• Our work must include a critical analysis of the individuals environment in an attempt to understand the variables that play a role in her/his problems
The Social Function of Social Work
• A new understanding of the concept of ‘Dependency’; contradicting stereotypical understandings of the term
• Individual and Institutional role failure
• Social work is the tool or method that is most frequently used to address dependency
The Dual Targets of Social Work
• Social Work Profession is responsible for assisting those experiencing difficulty with individual role responsibilities (Micropractice)
• Also expected to address the failure of institutions that results in individual suffering (Macropractice)
The Dominance of Micropractice
• Richmond and Lee emphasis on the direct practice done with clients as a method for exacting change
• Individualistic society, relatively obvious targets for change, and access all contribute to direct practice being the dominant method of social work
Social Work’s Search for Professional Legitimacy
• Flexner and his position on Social Work as a profession
• Emphasis during the inception of our work on a traditional ‘medical model’ of practice
• Attempt to develop uniqueness and relevance among other professions
All translated to an emphasis on direct practice…but, how has this changed?
Social Work: The Policy Based Profession
Time and societal change has resulted in:
• Social work occurring in organizational settings
• Knowledge about educationally communicable techniques
• Reduced autonomy among all professions
Thus, a Flexners position is no longer feasible or realistic
The Relationship between Policy & Practice
• Several roles and tasks of professional social workers are policy practice activities
• Policy dictates how we work, who we serve, what we can be paid…And what else?
• How does our practice affect Policy? Name some ways…