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Introduction to Social Work

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Fieldwork in Social Work

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Abstract

This beginning chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social work, encompassing its meanings, scope, and various levels of engagement. The exploration begins with an examination of the diverse and dynamic nature of social work, addressing the meanings attributed to this profession. The scope of social work is discussed, highlighting the broad spectrum of issues and populations it encompasses. The chapter further delves into the distinctive levels of social work practice—micro, mezzo, and macro—elucidating their roles and significance. A crucial aspect explored is the diversity, divisions, and differences within the realm of social work, emphasizing the profession’s adaptability to address multifaceted societal challenges. Theoretical frameworks that underpin social work practice are introduced, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding and addressing complex social issues. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the pivotal role of social work as a bridge between theory and practice, emphasizing the practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Acknowledging social work as a recognized profession, the chapter delineates the characteristics and traits associated with a professional social worker. It explores the behaviors, ethics, and roles expected of individuals in the social work profession, emphasizing the commitment to ethical standards and the well-being of individuals and communities. This introductory chapter sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of social work, laying the groundwork for subsequent chapters to delve deeper into the multifaceted dimensions of this vital profession.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

    M. Rezaul Islam

Authors
  1. M. Rezaul Islam
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Appendices

Review Questions

  1. 1.

    What are the key meanings associated with social work, and how do they contribute to the profession’s identity?

  2. 2.

    How does the scope of social work extend across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, and what distinguishes each level?

  3. 3.

    Discuss the importance of ethical considerations and principles in social work, providing examples of their application.

  4. 4.

    Explore the diverse divisions and differences within social work, considering the specialized areas of practice.

  5. 5.

    How do major social work theories contribute to understanding and addressing various social issues and challenges?

  6. 6.

    Reflect on the significance of social work as a recognized and vital profession, considering its impact on individuals and communities.

  7. 7.

    Differentiate between micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice, providing examples for each.

  8. 8.

    How can theoretical concepts in social work be translated into practical applications to address real-world challenges?

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. 1.

    What is the primary focus of social work at the micro level?

    1. (a)

      Individual clients

    2. (b)

      Community advocacy

    3. (c)

      National policy analysis

    4. (d)

      Global social justice initiatives

  2. 2.

    In the context of social work principles, which of the following best reflects the concept of self-determination?

    1. (a)

      Imposing decisions on clients

    2. (b)

      Respecting clients’ autonomy and choices

    3. (c)

      Advocating for clients without their input

    4. (d)

      Limiting clients’ access to information

  3. 3.

    Which of the following is an example of mezzo-level social work practice?

    1. (a)

      Providing counseling to an individual client

    2. (b)

      Advocating for policy changes at the national level

    3. (c)

      Facilitating support groups for families

    4. (d)

      Conducting research on global social issues

  4. 4.

    How do social work theories contribute to the profession?

    1. (a)

      They are irrelevant to practical applications.

    2. (b)

      They provide a historical perspective only.

    3. (c)

      They guide understanding and intervention in social issues.

    4. (d)

      They focus solely on individual psychology.

  5. 5.

    What role does social work play as a bridge between theory and practice?

    1. (a)

      It separates theory from practical applications.

    2. (b)

      It ignores theoretical foundations in practice.

    3. (c)

      It dismisses the relevance of theory in the field.

    4. (d)

      It integrates theoretical knowledge into practical interventions.

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Islam, M.R. (2024). Introduction to Social Work. In: Fieldwork in Social Work. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-56683-7_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-56683-7_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-56682-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-56683-7

  • eBook Packages: Social Sciences

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