The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) gives this definition:
"Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.
Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.
Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing."
- Serve as facilitators of change in the lives of people to enable them to achieve improved social functioning.
- Facilitate a process that allows clients to own [emphasis: my own] their problems and to grow during the process of resolving them
- (They are not there to give advice) (Taken from UNISA BSW1502: Introduction to Social Work as a Profession Study Guide)
My thoughts:
I love this, social workers therefore, from what I understand, help people to stand on their own two feet instead of leaning on others and falling. They give them an environment to grow up, take responsibility and adult. This in turn helps that person to develop a sense of self worth, work on their self esteem (which I would imagine to be chronically low) and to grow in self love as they become a productive member of society.
To me the ultimate would be if this person at the end of learning this about themselves would be a light to others in their actions and encouragements, creating an environment around them to allow others to step in to their potential, feel inspired and increase their capacity.
