“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” E - Edith Wharton
Social work is a profession that helps in improving the quality of life and wellbeing of people or communities. This essay analyses and underpins the understanding of the nature of social work from diverse perspectives. It also throws light on the need for social work
The two distinct themes in social care are ‘traditional values’ which includes respect for persons, paternalism and protection, normalisation and social role valorisation, equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory practice and partnership The ‘radical values’ includes citizenship, participation, community presence, equality, anti- oppressive practice, empowerment and user control. (Braye and Preston- shoot, 1995)
Clark (2000) extends the argument by saying that social work values- a term he contends is problematic- should be about both social care and social control, focussing on four key areas
• The worth and uniqueness of every person
• The entitlement to justice
• The aspiration to freedom
• The essentiality of community
As mentioned above, social work is a complex and broad concept. The diverse and contradictory explanations on meaning and need for social work has been discussed in this essay from different