CONCEPTS & PURPOSE OF
SOCIAL WELFARE Learning Unit 1
Social welfare, social work & social welfare policy ......................................................... 1
What = social welfare? ................................................................................................... 1
SA social welfare system focus on: ......................................................................... 1
What = social work? ........................................................................................................ 2
5 major dimensions of social work – confirm point: ............................................... 2
Social welfare policy ....................................................................................................... 2
Principles underscoring social welfare: .................................................................. 2
Principles of social welfare policies developmental approach............................... 3
Characteristics of social welfare & social work developmental approach ............... 3
Characteristics of Social Work........................................................................................ 3
Similarities & differences social welfare & social work ................................................ 4
Relationship social welfare & social work .................................................................... 4
Social welfare, social work & social welfare policy
What = social welfare?
Needs experienced = health, education, socioeconomic support, personal rights,
political freedom.
Examples of programmes = foster care, adoption, day care, probation, parole,
financial assistances programme, services – homeless, etc.
Encompass many programmes & services provided → public & private sectors.
Social welfare = variety of organised act with purpose contributing – prevention,
resolution & management of social problems.
Purpose = improve & promote social functioning of indiv, groups/communities –
attain satisfying standards of living & health & constructive personal relationships that
permit – develop – full potential & promote well-being harmony with needs of
families, communities & society.
SA social welfare system focus on:
Income protection
Attaining independent & self-sufficient livelihoods & minimum living standards
Address needs of groups at risk.
Management of current social problems
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, Protection of vulnerable groups
What = social work?
Social work = practice-based profession & academic discipline promoting social
change & development, social cohesion & empowerment & liberation of people.
Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility & respect for
diversities = central – social work.
Underpinned → theories of social work, social sciences, humanities & indigenous
knowledge, social work engage people & strc – address life challenges & enhance
wellbeing.
Social justice, human rights & respect for diversity = core of social work practice.
5 major dimensions of social work – confirm point:
Equipped – work with any problems/clusters that = complex & difficult.
Focus environment surrounding service users & not only service users themselves if
required.
Consider broader environment on behalf of service users & use info – benefit.
Not prescriptive, help service users – make own decisions
Not emphasise authority & expertise as professionals, rather work partnership
with service users.
Social welfare policy
Developmental approach – social welfare policy & practice adopted.
Social welfare perceived as integrated & comprehensive system of social services,
facilities & social functioning of people.
Developmental social welfare integrates social & economic development &
underscored →:
Principles underscoring social welfare:
Creation of conditions favourable for growth & development – facilitate every
right – social security & social welfare maintenance of public & private welfare
services.
Distributing services & resources equitable manner addressing racial, gender,
geographic & rural/urban disparities.
Offer service – all groups & sections of society & respect for diversity of
populations.
Promote participation of all people planning, policy formulation & programme
development.
Implement effective, efficient & financially viable intervention strategies.
Strive for excellence & provision of quality social welfare services.
Ensure transparency & accountability private & public services.
Ensure services = appropriate & acceptable – those supposed – serve.
Fostering mutual support & recognition of uniqueness & interdependence of all
people spirit of Ubuntu, balances indiv rights with responsibility – self & others.
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