Chapter 2
The information set forth set in this chapter taught me
several historical facts about the creation and evolution of both micro- and
macro - level social work practice. While I have learned and read about
population growth, industrialization, and urbanization, as a social work
student it never occurred to me how these issues impacted and/or created the
need for human services. For example, I hadn’t considered that the historical
oppression of certain populations predated the existence of social work. It is
also interesting to note that although the members of the Charity Organization
Societies were involved in micro-level social work practice, they agreed with
the members who operated settlement houses (macro-level social work) on the
importance of assessing neighborhoods and the need for trained staff. Thus, the
beginning of schools of social work.
Because the Great Depression resulted in more widespread
poverty across the nation, individuals and organizations that held more of a
Social Darwinism view were forced to reconsider their line of thinking and
beliefs. One of the questions I wish to pose (it’s really just “food for
thought”) is why still today there are those who believe that the plight of
poor people is their own fault? The existence of Social Darwinism in spite of
historical evidence that speaks to the contrary…..Looking at more recent
history; is it not true that the 2008 recession moved thousands of workers into
much lower tax brackets than the ones they previously held? Who do the Social Darwinists blame for
that? I have not researched the issue. I only know what I’ve seen and read in
news reports on the situation. So I may be speaking out of turn.
As a future social worker who plans to pursue micro-level practice,
I can still appreciate our forerunners who recognized the needs of communities
and entire neighborhoods. After all, part of my training includes treating the
“person in environment”.
On the matter of welfare reform and why there are those who
use statistics to profess that welfare reform has succeeded in moving families
and individuals off of welfare: IT DOES NOT NEGATE THE FACT THAT THE MAJORITY
OF FORMER WELFARE RECIPIENTS ARE SIMPLY THE WORKING POOR!! It does not take rocket
science to see that welfare reform HAS NOT resulted in fewer poor families. And
I honestly do not have a clue as to where to begin in order to change this. It
seems obvious that forcing individuals into low-paying jobs is not the answer.
On that note, another question (or scenario) I’d like to
pose: is there any feasibility in the government requiring individuals that
receive benefits to attend college and /or trade school (college isn’t for
everybody) for which the state/federal government would pay for or help pay
for? At least then these individuals would join the workforce at salaries that
would enable them to support their families.
I've always felt that since the welfare to work rules were implemented, there has simply been a shift of former TANF recipients from one low-paying job to another. When a poor worker asks for a raise in compensation after having been on the job for many months, employers can simply threaten to fire them and hire the next desperate person who is losing their benefits. This constant influx of frightened people who may have no job skills is a never-ending source of low-paid workers for employers to tap into.
ReplyDeleteAs far a the free college educations, I've heard that due to the number of persons who have gotten degrees (due to the bad economy since 2001), an Associate's may not be worth much more than a high school diploma, and a Bachelor's isn't as valuable as it used to be either. _ Kerry Manderbach
Just to comment on the value of education, it is frustrating to me that a person (female) with a Bachelor's degree, or even a MSW, often does not have sufficient income to afford to live comfortably without a significant other in the household to help pay bills. If this was a predominately male profession would the salaries be higher? I firmly believe in bettering yourself through education, but the financial rewards for a higher education are not seen in every profession. I was glad to see the article that Amanda reviewed. Michelle
ReplyDeleteI second Michelle's comment. I was just having a similar discussion with some girlfriends last weekend. It's sad that after completing a MSW, I can reasonably expect to make a salary that is barely livable for a single-person household. I, too, wonder if the expectation would be the same in social work were a male-dominated field.
ReplyDeleteWelfare reform seems like a near total failure to me. Day in and day out I meet with clients who literally cannot afford to live. Some of their issues are certainly as a result of bad decisions, but more often than not, those bad decisions are made because my client was never taught anything different. I know welfare reform does not involve education, but I can't help but wonder if education reform would make welfare reform more successful.
I believe that Social Darwinism is still alive and well. I think that Social Darwinism is strongly supported by people who use selective and biased observations to explain their success and others’ failures. Those that believe in Social Darwinism use the assumption that everyone has the same opportunities and everyone has the chance to do well, regardless of the situation. In reality, this assumption is not true, not everyone has the same opportunities. It is easy for a person to look at their own situation and say “I struggled to make it, why can’t you?” not ever experiencing someone else’s struggles or circumstances.
ReplyDeleteIf I understand the second question correctly, the question being posed is regarding the feasibility for the government to require those that are receiving benefits to obtain some sort of higher education if the government also assists with the cost for the education. To answer this question, if higher education is a requirement of continuing government assistance I feel that this will limit the number of people who will qualify for assistance because not everyone will have to time or ability to attend school. Also, as Jenn mentioned in her comment that even with obtaining a MSW, it is expected to make a salary that is barely livable for a single-person household; therefore, getting a degree does not secure that an individual will necessarily make a salary that will support their families. Overall, I feel like implementing this sort of requirement would not benefit those receiving support unless a job with a sufficient salary was guaranteed after obtaining a higher education that would allow them to no longer be in need of assistance.
On the other hand, I converse with friends who did not attend college and find that they are well off than myself who is pursuing a higher education. It is disappointing to continue to pursue higher education when the degree is not valued. In regards to welfare reform, I agree with Jenn on it being a complete failure. Welfare reform is another plight to keep people oppressed, especially generationally.
ReplyDelete