We are talking about social welfare history and its relevance to social work today. I expect you to develop an understanding of what social welfare is and how the social welfare system operates in society. Really examine your attitudes and understandings about social welfare issues and services as well societal perceptions and services related to social welfare. Think about poverty, homelessness, and discrimination and consider the causes, history, and societal efforts to address these issues. Explore the perspective and role of social work in addressing these issues.
So there are four factors that interact with each other to determine how we, as a society, will provide help or services to families in the United States:
1. Level of economic productivity or output
2. Perceptions of the strength or effectiveness of our society and its institutions
3. How we view human nature, our perceptions of what motivates people, or understanding and beliefs about how people act and think
4. Our past decisions or ways of responding to family need
Give one example for each of these factors and explain how the example has influenced the provision of services here in the US. Are these factors still relevant to service provision today?
A#1
Example
A#2
Example
A#3
Example
A#4
Example
Required Text: Stern, Mark J., & Axinn, June (2012). Social welfare: A history of the American response to need. (8th ed.) NJ: Pearson Education. ISBN 0-205-06323-3.