Assignment Code: MSW-017/TMA/2022-23

Course Code: MSW-017

Assignment Name: Contemporary Methods and Values of Social Work

Year: 2022-2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all the five questions. All questions carry equal marks. Answers to question no. 1 and 2 should not exceed 600 words each

Q1) Define advocacy. Write about its purpose with examples.

Ans) People have diverse interpretations of what the term "advocacy" means to them. An attorney might define advocacy as the art of speaking in court, representing their client's case, and questioning witnesses. Advocacy is an essential part of the legal process. In addition, social workers take on the role of advocates for their clients, many of whom are marginalised in one way or another. It is possible for a medical professional, such as a doctor or a nurse, to speak out against unethical acts that may be carried out at healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or clinics, when it is discovered that a particular treatment procedure is flawed.

Because the primary responsibility of a medical practitioner is to provide treatment for the patient, it is possible that such activities by medical care experts will not be regarded as advocacy. In a similar vein, trainees in social work who are out in the field conducting practicums may wish to make it simpler for less fortunate members of society to access social security services provided by the government, such as retirement benefits and housing programmes, in order to alleviate some of their hardships.

Even though the efforts taken constitute advocacy according to the process, there are situations when activists or professionals who represent the concerns of others could not perceive these actions as advocacy. It is therefore evident that different people will be involved in various forms of advocacy, which could range from quasi-legal to the meeting of personal services, issues in welfare administration, or the fulfilment of the rights of particular groups or populations. These types of advocacy could be carried out by a variety of people.

Purposes of Advocacy

The work of advocacy with a client or clients can have multiple purposes, including the following:

1. Help people keep control over their own lives while also preventing breaches of human rights and promoting people's rights.

2. The protection of constitutional safeguards and the exercise of fundamental rights.

3. To make it easier to distribute and finance resources in an equitable manner for the purpose of social welfare, the provision of social services, and the advancement of society.

4. By bringing about structural changes in social and political structures and institutions, we can better protect individuals and groups that are subjected to harassment and other forms of mistreatment.

5. Encourage social inclusion and promote awareness of the challenges that are encountered by individuals and communities that are marginalised in society.

6. Help people and groups speak up for themselves, on behalf of other members and groups in their neighbourhood that are unable to speak up or fight for their own rights and enable them to do so with the support and authority you give them.

7. Assist those you work with in investigating the various strategies that can be utilised in the struggle against tyranny and elucidating a specific path forward.

8. Facilitate the process of establishing new policies to combat social injustice and safeguard disadvantaged groups and populations. This process should also include making modifications to previously established policies and legislation in order to correct flaws and close loopholes.

Q2) What is the importance of Networking in social work? Discuss the approaches and models of Networking in social work.

Ans) By networking, professionals can connect with organisations and individuals in similar or adjacent fields. Information can be shared, and assistance can be gotten through carefully managed networking. It may be one of the keyways to develop beneficial relationships with new people. Many times, people are unaware that there are other solutions available for handling the current issue. In these circumstances, networking is quite beneficial. For instance, the members of the group receive the much-needed support from the positive people's network, a technique that has been tried and true by individuals living with HIV/AIDS around the world.

Social workers connect with other professional social workers by applying for membership in several national and worldwide groups. A social worker can connect with people and establish long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships through their network. A professional can use contacts to find information, counsel, and referrals for those in need as well as financial and technical support through networking.

Approaches and Models of Networking in Social Work

Social Networking Sites: The development of information technology has had a significant impact on how people communicate and how that has altered. No longer are distance and national barriers a barrier to communication. The internet has made communication more effective. It has also given people a platform to connect from all around the world. Social networking services are incredibly informational and inform users about a variety of events happening across the globe. Through social networking sites, people can communicate with a lot of people.

Seminar/Conferences/Workshops: The professionals can network in a variety of social work fields, including women and child welfare, youth welfare, old age, HIV/AIDS, etc., through many national and worldwide organisations of social workers. These organisations include NASW, NAPSWI, APSWI, and numerous others. By hosting seminars and conferences for the members, these organisations give their members the chance to network with one another and offer a platform for interaction and the development of long-lasting relationships. Networking opportunities at conferences and seminars are excellent. These conferences offer continuous education as well as information on the most recent trends in a variety of professions.

Networking of Schools of Social Work: Schools of social work can effectively network with many societal stakeholders to mobilise both people and material resources. In order to advocate for policy changes and the creation of new policies, they can cooperate with a variety of non-governmental organisations, governmental organisations, and international organisations that are involved in the field of social development. These schools are able to conduct a variety of programmes, schemes, and activities as extension activities. In addition, different social work schools can network with one another to share knowledge and further the careers of their staff and students.

Similar to this, networking can be used by NGOs/CBOs, other social work schools, and social work agencies to deliver their services efficiently while keeping in mind the values of interpersonal relationships, patriotism, teachership, loyalty to the profession, service, integrity, hard work, competence, responsibility, and commitment, as well as cultural sensitivity.

Q3) Answer any two of the following questions in about 300 words each: 10x2

a) What is the importance of resource mobilization? Enlist the steps in resource mobilization planning.

Ans) An organisation has a new hurdle after reaching a certain level of readiness for resource mobilisation: securing its long-term survival by attracting new donors and keeping a sizable constituency base.

The following are some reasons why resource mobilisation is crucial:

1. To broaden and diversify resources

2. Resource mobilisation aids in creating a self-sufficient budget. To depart from the custom of just administering the programmes of donors. To invest in the organization's preferred programme.

3. To lessen reliance on others.

4. To protect oneself from becoming a contractor for foreign donor organisations.

5. For the organization's and program's long-term viability.

6. To make the most of home resources and expertise.

7. To deepen relationships with the community and stakeholders.

8. To improve the organization's reputation and foster new connections.

9. To fulfil obligations to the community.

10. To implement programmes based on the community's actual needs and to promote such initiatives.

11. To spread the organization's best practises.

12. To foster original thought and question conventional wisdom.

13. To raise one's organization's dignity.

Steps in Resource Mobilization Planning

The following actions are essentially involved in resource mobilisation:

1. Taking a look at the organization's long-term strategic plan.

2. A list of the period's priority-based programmes.

3. Establishing resource mobilisation goals, including their scope and probable sources.

4. Locating stakeholders and expanding the constituencies.

5. Developing the networking methods and creating the essential messaging.

6. From planning through execution, reviewing and choosing resource mobilisation tactics.

7. Preparing for the execution and the mobilisation of resources.

b) Explain the linkage of resource mobilization with Public Interest Litigation.

Ans) One of the acceptable tactics used in social action is public interest litigation. Professionals in social work are familiar with the idea of PIL today; it is used to defend the rights of the general public and the weaker sections of society, which is why it has gained attention. The development of PIL is a huge promise for the underprivileged and everyday people alike. The marginalised and the oppressed continued to strive for their civic rights. PIL was created as a consequence of an unofficial alliance between social activists, media professionals, and proactive judges.

According to The Black Law Dictionary, a PIL is a legal action brought in a court of law to enforce a public interest or general interest in which the general public or a class of the society has a financial interest or some other interest that could affect their legal rights or responsibilities. Non-adversarial litigation includes collaborative litigation. Various societal groups, the impacted party, the court, regular citizens, and government officials all contributed to this effort.

They band together to make sure that fundamental human rights are really put into practise, resulting in social justice for a sizable number of individuals. PIL has various steps to accomplish its goals, just like other social work methodologies. For instance, in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, PIL was utilised to advance the interests of ecology and ecosystem as well as tribal, rural, and displaced people. The key resource, which is human resource, was mobilised and is still being used globally in the matter for filing a PIL.

Q4) Attempt any four of the following in about 150 words each: 5x4

a) Enlist the salient features of PIL.

Ans) The salient features of PIL are as follows:

1. Remedial in Nature: Remedial nature of PIL departs from traditional locus standi rules. It indirectly incorporated the principles enshrined in the part IV of the Constitution of India into part III of the Constitution. By riding the aspirations of part IV into part III of the Constitution had changed the procedural nature of the Indian law into dynamic welfare one. Bandhu Mukti Morcha v. Union of India, Unnikrishnan v. State of A.P., etc were the obvious examples of this change in nature of judiciary.

2. Representative Standing: Representative standing can be seen as a creative expansion of the well-accepted standing exception which allows a third party to file a habeas corpus petition on the ground that the injured party cannot approach the court himself. And in this regard the Indian concept of PIL is much broader in comparison to the American. PIL is a modified form of class action.

3. Citizen Standing: The doctrine of citizen standing thus marks a significant expansion of the court's rule, from protector of individual rights to guardian of the rule of law wherever threatened by official lawlessness.

b) Write about the linkage of PIL with social action.

Ans) Social action has been defined as a methodology focused on mass problem solving. Social action frequently provides alleviation to a large number of people suffering from comparable conditions, possibly more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Social justice, welfare, and development goals can only be achieved by a combination of social activity and social policy. For new laws to be passed, old laws to be repealed or modified, and new laws to be implemented honestly, social action plays a crucial intervention role.

As opposed to social work or social service, which typically do not cover necessary changes in the established institutions, Baldwin described social action as an organised endeavour to transform social and economic institutions. The Parmanand Katara v. Union of India case might be used to show how this strategy relates to PILs. In this instance, the court ruled that it is every medical professional's fundamental duty to provide emergency medical care to any injured citizen without waiting for any formalities. In this instance, PIL has made a mass solution for a mass problem a reality.

c) State the key elements for an effective Public Awareness Campaign.

Ans) There are three essential elements for a successful campaign, regardless of whether it uses print, video, or both:

1. A Broad Support System: Creating a large support network of people and interested organisations aids in gathering and organising community support for a campaign. The likelihood of an awareness campaign's success increases with the number of people working on it.

2. Diverse Activities: The message of a campaign should be communicated to the general public using a number of channels in an effort to engage with as many individuals as possible. Examples include public speaking engagements, petitions, lobbying, fundraising, concerts, street plays, informational leaflets, poster and postcard campaigns, media campaigns, protests and awareness events, media studies, personal testimonies, and other advocacy initiatives.

3. An Accurate and Concise Message: A campaign's message needs to be succinct and compelling in order to inspire people to take action. Using focus groups and other research techniques, activists can test messages to improve a campaign's message and efficacy.

d) Briefly discuss the linkage between social group work and awareness campaign.

Ans) Social group work is a type of social work in which a social worker assists people in group settings in improving their social functioning through intentional group experiences and better coping with their challenges. Social work interventions take place in groups and through interactions within them during group work. Groups can be therapeutic or be used for worthwhile creative endeavours. They may be established to address immediate issues or to offer support to members going through a bad time. There are a variety of groups, including self-help, pressure, and support ones.

Group work always includes social work techniques like awareness campaigns. Numerous interventions are carried out by social workers using a combination of these two approaches. Youth organisations are established in rural and urban slum areas to raise awareness of a variety of issues, including community harmony, HIV/AIDS prevention, income-generating programmes, and disaster management. In Himachal Pradesh, Mahila mandals have a long tradition of raising awareness and helping women and their families.

Q5) Write short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each: 4x5

a) Human Relationship as a Value of Social Work.

Ans) The Human Relationship is emphasised as a value of human relationships in the "Code of Ethics for Social Workers India":

1. Social workers think social work is more than a pleasant relationship between the professional and client, making them a 'social doctor'

2. Social workers respect the dignity and worth of individuals, groups, families, and communities by understanding and valuing human interactions.

3. Human relationship value conveys that social workers understand service users' issues and know how they feel, resulting in warm and healthy relationships.

4. Social workers should not abuse their trusting relationship with clients by blurring the lines between personal and professional life and utilising their position for sexual favours or financial exploitation.

5. Social workers must own their faults and realise they are not flawless since people are watching them at every level of service.

6. Social workers realise that internationally accepted concepts of social work such as individualization, acceptance, non-judgmental attitude, client's right to self-determination, and confidentiality are crucial while valuing human interactions.

b) Definition and Meaning of Dignity and Worth of a person.

Ans) A normative concept, dignity refers to how people should or shouldn't be treated in a particular societal or individual situation. Being deserving of honour, respect, or dignity is a trait or a state. Respect for one's own dignity as well as respect for the dignity of others make up this dual-pronged professional value. When dignity is viewed subjectively, there are many distinct individual variances and quirks. Human rights are built on an objective interpretation of dignity.

Social workers strive to intervene in a non-judgmental manner because they believe in the value and dignity of the people, communities, and groups they serve. The idea of human value and dignity is highlighted by several religions. Several ideals that are ingrained in diverse religious teachings have found their way into professional social work. The idea that humanity possesses dignity because each person is uniquely created in God's image is emphasised by all major world religions.

c) Importance of integrity

Ans) Integrity is important for several reasons, including the following:

1. We never need to doubt our integrity since we are living a life of honesty. Life becomes easier when we follow our hearts and make the correct decisions. We don't have to worry about hiding anything because everyone can see how we live and act.

2. When we act with integrity, our bosses, co-workers, and team members trust us. We are trustworthy, and when we take responsibility for our acts, we become positive role models. Our success in life is directly impacted by all of this.

d) Value of Competence Reflected in Code of Ethics.

Ans) Based on the concept of competence, the codes of ethics of many associations of social workers have established specific requirements for social work professionals. Social workers need to be aware of how the environment influences human behaviour as well as the positive aspects of all civilizations.

Social workers must be competent in the delivery of services that are sensitive to clients' environments and to distinctions between individuals and groups as well as possess a solid understanding of the backgrounds of their clients. Social workers should learn about social diversity and oppression related to race, ethnicity, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, political belief, religion, and mental or physical impairment. They should also endeavour to comprehend these issues.

e) Loyalty to Profession as a Value of Social Work

Ans) With a set of basic beliefs, a broad knowledge base, and a variety of abilities, social work is a career that is practised all over the world. The social work profession encourages social change, resolving conflicts in interpersonal interactions, and empowering and liberating individuals to improve well-being. Social work makes interventions at the places where people interact with their environments using ideas of human behaviour and social systems.

Social work is fundamentally based on social justice and human rights principles. The definition makes it apparent that the social work profession depends largely on relationships and fidelity to the field. It aids the practitioner in carrying out the profession's intended goal and vision. By fostering professional connections, empowering people as individuals in their groups, families, and communities, social workers ensure that services are personalised and that human rights are upheld.