Social Work and Social Policy E-Book

Ira C. Colby

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 455

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

A comprehensive overview of domestic and global social welfare policy

Written by a team of renowned social policy experts sharing their unique perspectives on global and U.S. social welfare policy issues, Social Work and Social Policy helps social workers consider key issues that face policymakers, elected officials, and agency administrators in order to develop policies that are both fair and just.

Designed as a foundational social welfare policy text, this important book meets the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

Encouraging readers' critical thinking on various issues, each chapter begins with an overarching question and "what if" scenarios, and ends with a set of suggested key terms, online resources, and discussion questions.

Recognizing that policy work requires practitioners to be as fully versed as possible with the issue at hand, Social Work and Social Policy thoroughly explores:

• Social welfare policy as a form of social justice
• The evolution of the American welfare state
• Human security and the welfare of societies
• Social policy from a global perspective
• Challenges for social policies in Asia
• Welfare reform and the need for social empathy
• The U.S. Patriot Act and its implications for the social work profession
• Human rights and emerging social media

Compelling and broad in scope, Social Work and Social Policy is an indispensable text for students and a valuable resource for practitioners concerned with creating social policy and governmental action guided by justice for all.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Preface

About the Editors

Contributors

Chapter 1: Social Welfare Policy as a Form of Social Justice

Introduction

Social Welfare Policy Defined

The Relationship Between Justice Theory and Social Welfare Policy

Social Work Values and Policy

The Traditional Conceptual Framework of Social Welfare

Crafting Justice-Based Policy

Conclusion

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 2: Reconceptualizing the Evolution of the American Welfare State

Introduction

Some Daunting Challenges Facing Historians of the American Welfare State

Nine Eras

Topics for Further Research

Where Next?

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 3: Human Security and the Welfare of Societies

Introduction

The Need to Redefine Security for the 21st Century

Human Security: Its Fundamentals and Its Roots

Is There a Future for a Human Security Framework?

Conclusion

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 4: Social Policy From a Global Perspective

Introduction

Globalization

Globalization as It Relates to Policy

Globalization and Ethics

Globalization, Policy, and Social Work Practice

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 5: Social Justice for Marginalized and Disadvantaged Groups: Issues and Challenges for Social Policies in Asia

Introduction

Social Justice: An Asian Perspective

Social Justice and Social Harmony

Social Policy

An Asian Context on Social Policy and Social Justice

An Asian Perspective on Social Policy Development

Social Enterprise and Social Capital

Conclusion

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 6: Welfare Reform: The Need for Social Empathy

Introduction

A Brief History of Welfare Reform

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The Success of Welfare Reform

Who Receives Welfare?

Why Welfare Reform Has Failed

Inherent Contradictions in Welfare Reform

Values Conflicts

The Gap in Experiencing and Understanding Poverty

Social Empathy

Where Do We Go From Here? The Future of Welfare in America

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 7: Not by the Numbers Alone: The Effects of Economic and Demographic Changes on Social Policy

Introduction

Economic Globalization

Poverty, Inequality, and Unemployment

Demographic Changes: Racism and Immigration

Implications for Social Policy

Welfare Reform as a Policy Illustration

Conclusion

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 8: The U.S. Patriot Act: Implications for the Social Work Profession

Introduction

The U.S. Patriot Act: Significant Activities and a New System of Justice

The U.S. Patriot Act and the Social Work Profession

Conclusion

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Chapter 9: Social Justice in a World of Anywhere Access?

Introduction

Globalization

Societal Acceptance and Utilization of Technology

Use of Social Media

Information Access and Authenticity

Ensuring Diversity and Cultural Differences

Influencing the Development of Social Policy

Unintended Consequences of Technology and Social Policy

A Look Ahead to the Year 2022

Key Terms

Review Questions for Critical Thinking

Online Resources

References

Author Index

Subject Index

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

Social Work and Social Policy : Advancing the Principles of Economic and Social Justice / Ira C. Colby, Catherine N. Dulmus, Karen M. Sowers.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-118-17699-3 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Social service. 2. Social policy. I. Colby, Ira C. (Ira Christopher), editor of compilation. II. Dulmus, Catherine N., editor of compilation. III. Sowers, Karen M. (Karen Marlaine), editor of compilation.

HV40.S617673 2013

361–dc23

2012026667

Preface

Social welfare policy can be true magic in the sense that outcomes have the potential to dramatically change lives, open new possibilities, strengthen communities, and, ultimately, realize social justice for all people. However, social welfare policy can also be an agent of oppression that stifles growth, perpetuates myths and prejudices, and leads to institutional discrimination (see Table 1). American history is filled with failed policies as well as successful initiatives. Yet we are perplexed when what we see as being valued and needed is viewed by others as repressive and beyond the scope of government.

Table 1 Examples of Positive and Negative Social Policies

No one policy text can provide a complete or full picture detailing the complexities of the social policy world. This text, however, brings together several significant social policy experts to share their unique perspectives. Purposefully, this work does not reflect a traditional policy textbook approach. Yes, many additional social issues could have been included, but our purpose is that the reader consider key issues that face policy makers (e.g., elected officials and agency administrators), and from there develop strategies to create fair and just social policies.

This book is designed as a beginning social welfare policy textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in social work programs. The text provides a broad overview of social welfare policy in the United States and an introduction to global policy issues. This book addresses the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) required competencies for accreditation. Specifically, the book addresses the following required accreditation competencies:

Educational Policy 2.1.4—Engage diversity and difference in practice

Educational Policy 2.1.5—Advance human rights and social and economic justice

Educational Policy 2.1.8—Engage in policy practice (know the history and current structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery)

Educational Policy 2.1.9—Respond to the contexts that shape practice

We are struck that many of the confounding issues that are discussed today are similar to those that plagued social services 100 and 200 years ago. We also see the influences of the ever-changing technological world. Today we speak of a global community, not an international world; global implies more evening between nation states in the north, south, east, and west; geographic borders are diminished as people are able to communicate directly with each other in real time. Clearly, technology continues to take on a more dominant role in social services. Although we are excited about what seems to be the daily new version of a laptop, iPad, iPhone, or software, we are equally perplexed with the unexpected ethical issues that result in a world of social media. How do we ensure that our privacy and rights are protected, in particular in this post-9/11 world?

Each chapter begins with a reflective piece in which the editors share their thoughts and poses general, overarching questions. Of course, the reader is encouraged and expected to develop his or her own additional questions. Questioning opens the door for critical thinking and building different “what if?” scenarios. At the end of each chapter, there are suggested key terms, online resources, and discussion questions. Again, these are simply tools to encourage you to build on the author's particular thesis: Search through various websites, do your own data mining, open yourself to diverse opinions, form your own opinions, and propose policy solutions.

First and foremost, this work is not meant to be a politically correct text, nor is it written with the expectation that the reader will agree with each and every point or position taken. The editors and authors expect you to develop your own positions, although they should be built from a critical thinking frame of reference; commentary rooted in and constrained by political ideology leads nowhere and results in dysfunctional policy development.

Policy work requires the practitioner to be as fully versed as possible in the issue at hand. Understanding differing perspectives is essential if one hopes to find a solution or at least a workable compromise. As you read these chapters, try a simple exercise—visit divergent think tanks, such as the Cato Institute (www.cato.org) or the Hoover Institute (www.hoover.org), comparing their findings with those of the Brookings Institution (www.brookings.edu) or the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities (www.cbpp.org); understanding differences will help clarify and solidify your own perspective on an issue. Using think tanks in such a way creates your personal point-counterpoint debate.

We firmly believe in the power of ideas, perspectives, and philosophies. We recognize that there are many ways to climb a mountain, but the selection of the best path requires that we seek information and plan the best route. We recognize that in the current political, ideological hardened environment, finding common ground is difficult. As we have seen in the U.S. Congress since 2010, politically rooted intransigence yields minimal results; the idea of finding common ground through compromise is lost. We expect you and all of our social work colleagues to lead a new way in policy thinking and work, one that will result in positive change firmly rooted in the basic precepts of social justice.

Ira C. ColbyCatherine N. DulmusKaren M. Sowers

About the Editors

Ira C. Colby, DSW, is Dean of the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston, in Houston, Texas. Dr. Colby has served on, chaired, or held elective positions in several national social work associations, including past president of the Council on Social Work Education, and he serves on several journal editorial boards. Dr. Colby has served as principal investigator on many research projects, accumulating approximately $8 million in external funding; he has authored more than 60 publications and presented more than 70 papers at national and international forums. He has been recognized with several awards, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humanics from Springfield College, his baccalaureate degree institution, induction as a Fellow into the National Academies of Practice, the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Virginia Commonwealth University, and an Honorary Professorship at the East China Technological University in Shanghai.

Catherine N. Dulmus, PhD, LCSW, is Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the Buffalo Center for Social Research at the University at Buffalo and Research Director at Hillside Family of Agencies in Rochester, New York. She received her baccalaureate degree in Social Work from Buffalo State College in 1989, a master's degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo in 1991, and a doctoral degree in Social Welfare from the University at Buffalo in 1999. As a researcher with interests that include community-based research, child and adolescent mental health, evidence-based practice, and university-community partnerships, Dr. Dulmus' recent contributions have focused on fostering interdependent collaborations among practitioners, researchers, schools, and agencies critical in the advancement and dissemination of new and meaningful knowledge. She has authored or coauthored several journal articles and books and has presented her research nationally and internationally. Before obtaining the PhD, her social work practice background encompassed almost a decade of experience in the fields of mental health and school social work.

Karen M. Sowers, PhD, is Dean and Beaman Professor in the College of Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is the University of Tennessee Beaman Professor for Outstanding Research and Service. Dr. Sowers received her baccalaureate degree in Sociology from the University of Central Florida and her master's degree and doctoral degree in Social Work from Florida State University. Dr. Sowers serves on several local, national, and international boards. Dr. Sowers is nationally known for her research and scholarship in the areas of international practice, juvenile justice, child welfare, cultural diversity, and culturally effective intervention strategies for social work practice, evidence-based social work practice, and social work education.

Contributors

Ira C. Colby, DSW, ACSW, LCSW

Graduate College of Social Work

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Bruce Jansson, PhD

School of Social Work

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Joseph Kin Fun Kwok, RSW, PhD, BBS, JP

Hong Kong, China

Robin Sakina Mama, PhD

Department of Social Work

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey

Paul R. Raffoul, PhD

Graduate College of Social Work

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Michael Reisch, MSW, PhD

School of Social Work

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Elizabeth A. Segal, PhD

School of Social Work

Arizona State University

Phoenix, Arizona

Stan Stojkovic, PhD

Helen Bader School of Social Welfare

University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Jody Williams

Nobel Peace Laureate

International Campaign to Ban Land Mines

Graduate College of Social Work

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Chapter 1

Social Welfare Policy as a Form of Social Justice

Ira Colby

How might you engage in activities that will influence values that result in policy choices and outcomes that reflect your values?

Introduction

Social justice is organized on a continuum of philosophies that range from conservative and individualistic in nature to the liberal, communal viewpoint. In other words, just as President Barack Obama subscribes to a particular model of social justice, so too did former President George W. Bush. We must recognize that we may disagree with one particular philosophy, but that does not negate the fact that every person has her or his particular perspective of social justice. A social policy is a direct, public expression of the dominant, accepted model of social justice. For example, the maximum SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, aka “food stamps”) payment was $526 for a three-person family between October 2011 and September 2012; this translates to approximately $17 per day. Do you feel this is a fair and just amount? Or, is this too much financial support that only encourages dependency? Or, is this amount too low given the costs to purchase a basic nutritionally sound diet? Can the United States afford to increase funding to SNAP? Some might say “no” because of the growing deficit and national debt. Yet others might say “yes” because we are choosing to fund SNAP at a lower level while funding other programs at higher levels. In other words, policy outcomes involve choices made through political decisions based on the dominant values.

The core mission of the social work profession is the promotion of social, economic, and political justice for all people. Communities built on the principles of justice provide its members with opportunities to fully participate and share benefits in a fair and equitable manner. Although this is a noble ideal, the reality is very different, as disparities continue to plague people and nations around the world.