Essay Sample on Social Work: Promoting Social Cohesion & Wellbeing

Introduction

Social work is a practice-based discipline that principally aims at promoting social cohesion, social development, and social change as well as liberating people. The predominant principles associated but not limited to social justice, are respect for human rights, collective responsibility, as well as respect for diversities. Nonetheless, social work is underpinned by various theories through engagements of different populaces to address life challenges and heighten wellbeing (Reamer, 2017). Similarly, Social work is a profession concerned with proposing long term solutions to daily challenges facing societies. It involves helping communities, groups, families and individuals enhance their collective and individual wellbeing (Hill, Plitt & Donaldson, 2017). Consequently, social work intends on helping individuals develop their skills, use and utilize their resources in resolving problems such as domestic violence, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. Social workers collaborate with different families and individuals to improve impactful outcomes in their lives by protecting the vulnerable populaces from abuse and harm and supporting people to live independently.

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My Motivation to Currently Pursue a Masters in Social Work

At this point in my life, I am committed and eager to advance my career and education as a way of giving back to society and helping the less fortunate people. My passion and motivation for social work got intrigued by a relative that was on the verge of committing suicide until they shared with me their thoughts and emotions. I got to passively listen and affirm that someone cared and they had a reason and purpose of living. Pursuance of the masters in social work will facilitate my dream of helping the vulnerable and less fortunate in society.

Advancing my education through the pursuance of a masters in social work degree will help me anticipate and prepare for challenges that I may encounter in my professional life. The master degree will help me lay basis and foundation for my future as an accommodating and helpful member of society. The masters in social work will present chances for me to work in partnerships with a group of professionals committed to social justice as well as enhancing the quality of life and general wellbeing of people that are impacted by social disadvantages such as poverty, discrimination and joblessness. Nevertheless, social work training will provide a comprehensive knowledge base not only during my professional career but also in navigating everyday experiences.

A Social Problem of Concern and How It Relates To Social Political and Economic Justice

Poverty gets categorized as one of the predominant social problems facing most societies. In particular, communities characterized by abject poverty comprise of unprivileged individuals that cannot meet their daily basic needs such house, food, transport, and clothing. As a consequence, the majority of the less fortunate people end up engaging in minor crimes and drug abuse that mostly result in them getting locked up in correctional facilities (Bouzarovski, 2018). Some significant causes of poverty in the society include unequal distribution of resources, corruption and mismanagement of public funds, poor economic policies, illiteracy as well as poor governance.

On the other hand, poverty gets attributed to political justice in different ways. Political leaders that are driven by greed and satisfaction of their self-interests may implement policies that only favor them at the expense of the nation's citizens. Political justice includes restructuring of political institutions to guarantee service delivery to different populaces devoid of discrimination. Poverty emanates from economic injustices such as lack of job opportunities in various institutions, lack of access to quality and affordable education as well as the high cost of housing. As a consequence, economic justice is a principle that advocates for equal opportunities in the financial sector and aims at ensuring citizens have sufficient and reliable access to housing and food in any given economy (Nili, 2016). Correspondingly, most constitutions advocate for human rights as a crucial aspect to a world that is free from abject poverty. It is apparent that poverty results from frequent discrimination and social injustices that limit access to education, resources and other necessities needed to improve their living standards (Dorling, 2018). Therefore, social justice is an essential factor in combating poverty by empowering people and providing equal employment opportunities.

My Most Significant Experiences and Achievements In School and Work Both Volunteer and Paid.

Most significant experiences as a student include commitment, timely attendance of lectures and teamwork are one of the foremost factors that can lead to attaining high scores. Specifically, as an undergraduate student, I conducted extensive research on various subjects linked to humanities, social sciences and issues that affect the contemporary societies. Although I encountered multiple challenges, I endured, persevered and focused on completing my research in good time. Besides, I wrote articles that played a crucial role in sharpening my knowledge base. To score high grades, I devised various strategies such as regular visitation to the library, regular attendance of lectures, and conducting educational researches during my free time. These strategies propelled me into educational success and finally attaining my undergraduate from the social and humanities field.

I have always shown commitment towards helping the less privileged in the society. Consequently, raising funds to help the poor is one of my priorities, and I have successfully raised and donated funds, especially to street children and families that continuously face a myriad of problems. Although some people find it challenging to raise funds and help the poor people, I am cognizant of the fact that it is crucial to assist those who are in need. The spirit of hopefulness, hard work and better times ahead are some of the strategies that I have continuously adapted to succeed.

Comfort levels And Challenges Experienced in Upholding Ethical Principles by Providing Examples from My Education and Career Achievements.

Ethical principles, competence, integrity, dignity and social justice are considered an essential and primary basis of the core values attributed to social work. As a consequence, social workers should uphold moral ethics whenever interacting with different individuals in society (Reamer, 2006). Treating members of a given community importantly is imperative irrespective of their physical challenges or disabilities, especially when assisting the less fortunate people. However, there are different challenges that I might experience while upholding ethical principles. Some of the challenges include religious and political differences. Such problems can be addressed by inquiring and comprehending the religious background of different people and presenting every individual with an opportunity to express his/ her opinion about a given issue.

A Brief Description of How Social Workers Must Actively Work to develop and Refine a Habit of Cultural humility Throughout Their Career.

Cultural Humility includes processes by which social workers and systems respond effectively and respectfully to individuals of all immigration status, ethnic backgrounds, religions, languages, cultures and classes(Reamer,2006). As a consequence, social workers ought to comprehend cultural functions in society as well as human behaviour by recognizing different strengths present in all cultures. Correspondingly, social workers must have a more comprehensive understanding regarding the various cultures people emanate from, including demonstrating competency in service delivery. My unique contributions to the social work profession will play a crucial role in advancing justice to all people since I will advocate for equal and fair treatment of all people regardless of their social, economic status.

A Description of a Specific Plan to Balance My Work, Education, and Personal Life, As Well As Practice Self-Care As I Engage In Graduate Study

With existing pressures to maintain a complete balance between my graduate course work and enjoying my college experience, at times, life can get overwhelming. It involves ensuring that are maintained separately without allowing one to encroach the other. Professional lives, Personal life, schoolwork and work are challenging to balance since it gets characterized by stress and strain. However, there are plans I intend on implementing to maintain and attain a balance throughout my college life as a student pursuing a master's degree in social work. I will keep an updated schedule that will ensure I have a sustainable schedule. In particular, I will set specific times during the week to focus on priorities such as coursework, assignments and research. I intend on planning in terms of doing tasks and reading papers as a way of curbing procrastination based stress while allowing adequate time to socialize with friends and family.

Additionally, I will subscribe to online sites offering online tutoring classes and study resources that will help me to study ahead. I will organize my course work and tasks appropriately based on when papers, projects and other work events are due. More emphasis and priority will get given on due projects, and I will ensure timely submission of assignments to score high grades. Visiting family and friends and taking a moment to relax means a lot to me. Thus, after finishing essential tasks, I will spend more time with family and friends. I will ensure I strictly observe and adhere to working times and rules to prevent burnouts and maintain proper mental health.

References

Bouzarovski, S. (2018). Understanding Energy Poverty, Vulnerability and Justice. In Energy Poverty (pp. 9-39). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. ISBN, 978-3-16-148410-0.

Dorling, D. (2018). Challenging injustice: the importance of collective ownership of the social policy.

Hill, K., Fogel, S., Plitt Donaldson, L., & Erickson, C. (2017). State definitions of social work practice: Implications for our professional identity. Journal of evidence-informed social work, 14(4), 266-279. Retrieved 2020, February, 23 from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/23761407.2017.1319775.

Nili, S. (2016). Liberal global justice and social science. Review of International Studies, 42(1), 136-155.

Reamer, F. G. (2006). Ethical standards in social work: A review of the NASW code of ethics. Washington, DC: NASW Press.

Reamer, F. G. (2017). Social work. Encyclopedia of Global Bioethics, 1-12.