Foundation Of Social Work

Foundation of Social Work

Name

Course

Date

Glynn, C., Wesely, P., Wassell, B., & Nieto, S. (2014). Words and actions: Teaching Languages Through the Lens of Social Justice

The social justice theory brought about the creation of the social justice lens that majorly focuses on equality for every individual. The social justice lens was formulated as it applies critical theory and social justice in every profession. It provides a framework for organizations and enterprises to assist in evaluating resources that require social change. With the help of the social justice lens, an individual can zoom in, broaden, develop and expand the scope of one’s profession. It also offers a similar language spoken by every profession while ensuring every individual move beyond immediate reactions (Glynn, 2014). . The social justice lens has four filters where each filter represents a certain aspect of social justice work. In most cases, people prefer to apply one filter when faced with a situation which is not appropriate. The potential of these filters majorly depends on implementing them simultaneously.

I believe that with the help of the social justice lens, I will be in a position of assisting individuals who require my help in any way. For me to do so, I will need to keep in mind the four filters while implementing them simultaneously. One of the filters is Access that majorly values corporation and participation. With access, I can teach people the importance of multiple perspectives and encourage my clients to be open.

Simon, B. L. (1994). Are theories for practice necessary? Yes!. Journal of Social Work Education, 30(2), 144-148.

Dr. Barbara Simon in his article, “Are Theories for Practice Necessary?” suggests that theories a fundamental in social work. The author, the practice theories act as a crucial; guide to actions in social work. This ensures that a practitioner can follow criteria and end up perfecting their skills. Another important point relating to practice theories is that the workers or employees can seek support or clarifications prior to drawing conclusions of the significance of the problems presented by the communities or clients. Having done substantial research, the author notices that the practice theories are teaching resources in which the workers can refer to whenever they have an unclear issue (Simon, 1994).

From the two articles, I would go by the argument presented by Dr. Barbara Simon. This is because the theories of practice provides the assumptive tenets that delimit or direct the assessment processes. It is highly unlikely that with the absence of a theoretical concept, it is possible to establish operational definitions in regards to discernment, weight or measurement degrees of its accessibility or absence. Lastly, theories of practice are reliable in the selection and timing of initiatives and intervention measures.

Kimmel, M., & Ferber, A. (2010). Privilege. [Sydney, Australia]: Accessible Publishing Systems PTY, Ltd.

In a simple definition, privilege can be defined as the rights, advantages, and benefits an individual or organization enjoys as compared to others. In most instances, privilege has been used in the context of social inequality with regards to issues such as gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and also social class (Kimmel, 2010). . Most people who are privileged have been seen to believe they are special and need to be treated differently from others. I don’t believe this is the case at all. The mere fact that an individual is privileged doesn’t mean you need to treat others differently.

I believe that by understanding what privilege entails, I can understand how am supposed to behave. By recognizing the fact that it doesn’t mean I am special just because am privileged will help me relate to other people who don’t have the same privilege I have. I will also be in a position of understanding my clients my clients better by clearly understanding what the problem is. Social justice lens calls for understanding the problem and putting yourself in your customer’s shoes so as to be able to solve the issue.

With the help of the agency filter in the social justice lens, I will be able to encourage those who are being discriminated to fight for their rights. Those who are privileged think they can discriminate those that are less privilege which I believe is not the case. By understanding that being privilege doesn’t mean you are special, it becomes easy for people to fight for their rights. I believe being privileged and being less privileged doesn’t dictate how one can live or behave. What dictates how you live and act are the values that you poses.

Lum, D. (2011). Culturally competent practice. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

In the modern world, social work has been perceived as a discipline that is entirely dedicated to offering aid to individuals and societies majorly focusing on the poor and the most vulnerable. Principles and standards have been set that need to be adhered by every practitioner to ascertain the end goal is achieved. Cultural competence, on the other hand, has been viewed as an important principle when it comes to social work practice and education. Many people have tried to define the term cultural competence to help the general public comprehend what it means.

In lay man's language, cultural competence can be defined as the process whereby a person and the entire system can respond efficiently and respectfully to individuals of all languages, ethnic background, cultures, and immigration status among other diversity factors in a way that values and protects the dignity of every individual ( Lum, 2011) . In many states especially the United States, the population has continuously diversified rapidly, and this increases the urge for culturally social working practitioners considering it is an on-going process of professional growth, learning and also reflection.