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Contemporary Issues in Social Work

Social workers face many contemporary issues, including:
  • Poverty: A widespread issue that affects millions of people around the world
  • Substance abuse: Social workers often help people overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol before addressing other issues
  • Evidence-based practice: Social workers are increasingly expected to use evidence-based practices
  • Accountability: Funders are demanding more accountability from social workers
  • Competition for resources: Agencies compete with each other for resources
  • Developmental disabilities: Society has only recently recognized that abuse of people with developmental disabilities is a serious social problem
  • Migration: Globalization, modernization, and improved technologies have increased migration, which can impact human well-being
  • Social isolation: A major public health issue that affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and locations
  • Affordable housing: Social workers should advocate for safe and affordable housing for their clients

Human Behaviour and Social Work

Human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) is a broad area of study that's a fundamental part of social work. It's also known as human behavior in a social environment. HBSE aims to understand how human behavior is influenced by the social environment, and how the two interact. It also includes studying the characteristics of human behavior, and the different levels and systems of the social environment

Cultural Diversity and Social Work

Sociocultural diversity refers to the presence of diverse individuals from different cultures or societies within a community or organization. It encompasses the variety of cultural elements such as language, religious beliefs, art, music, diet, and customs that exist within a society

Introduction to Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, social relationships, and institutions. It examines how social structures shape human consciousness and actions, and how people interact with each other and their societies. Sociology can help people understand themselves and the world around them, and can also inform decision-making. 

Ethics and Value systems for Social Work

Six core values of the social work profession

  1. Service
  2. Social justice
  3. Dignity and worth of the person
  4. Importance of human relationships
  5. Integrity
  6. Competence

Individual and Group Dynamics

Individual dynamics are affected by each member's internal thoughts and feelings, their expressed thoughts and feelings, their nonverbal communication, and the relationship between group members. Group dynamics helps you understand how each person's actions make sense in the context of the group.

Social Work Planning and Management

Social planning in social work is the systematic process of identifying, assessing, and addressing social needs and problems in order to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It is a proactive approach to addressing social issues and improving the quality of life for all people

Public Health

Public health is “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals.