The Benefits of Social Work on Society by Lucy

The Benefits of Social Work on Society by Lucy - December 2023 Scholarship Essay

I believe that social work benefits society by offering support and resources to individuals, families and groups who have been disadvantaged by their circumstances. Systems such as families, schools, religious organizations and places of employment and service are necessary for our society to function properly. When there is a breakdown in any of these systems, it can be felt throughout all other systems. When multiple systems are dysfunctional, this results in deterioration of the individual, the family, the community and society. Social work is a profession that responds to the decline of these systems and intervenes in order to support and enhance them for the betterment of society.
Social workers come into their clients’ lives in a time of crisis. When a client and their family experience this crisis, it is an opportunity for change. Social workers can act as change agents in their clients’ lives by offering a supportive working relationship to guide clients through difficult transitional periods. How a client or family responds during this crisis will have positive or negative consequences that may affect that family for generations. Therefore, it’s important that the social worker be equipped with the education, skills and resources to respond effectively to their client’s needs.
Social workers use a code of ethics that include values such as integrity, treating all people with dignity, and the importance of human relationships. Social work also incorporates evidence-based approaches that involve critical thinking and evaluation to ensure clients are receiving the best service. This foundation of values and evidence based practice empowers social workers and clients to build a productive, mutual working relationship. One thing that I love about social work is that it stresses the importance of human relationships as a vehicle for change. Relationships are a resource that have the potential to empower disadvantaged individuals to rise above their circumstances, achieve a better quality of life and reach their full potential. Many clients will already know that relationships are instrumental in success. However, there are others that have had few if any trusting relationships and do not realize that healthy relationships can be transformative. The relationship a social worker builds with their client can be a model for trusting, productive relationships the client builds in their future. Whether a relationship is with a professional, a neighbor, a relative or members of a church - positive, reciprocal relationships can be sources of support and change! Social workers network with people and resources in society in order to build those important connections.
When a client overcomes a negative generational pattern, they impact every individual and system they are in contact with. For example, when an alcoholic mother comes to the attention of social services for neglecting her children, this is a crisis but it has the potential for great change in her family line. Social workers could organize temporary living arrangements for her children while the mother receives substance abuse treatment to address her condition and any underlying issues. This mother could take the opportunity to commit to a sober lifestyle and end generations of alcoholism, giving her children a good example and brighter future. Social workers help clients in their communities to acquire safety, food security, housing, employment, education, life skills, counseling and much more. More than anything else, social workers assist clients in becoming cycle breakers and change makers in their families of origin. Social workers also encourage clients to build on individual and family strengths. Sometimes all people need is assistance to help them to overcome the odds, become productive members of society, achieve their dreams and give back. This is why I believe social work benefits society and I'm excited to become a change maker for good in my community.