PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY, BOKKOS

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Department of Sociology

FIRST SEMESTER, 2024/2025 ACADEMIC SESSION

COURSE OUTLINE FOR:
SOC – 205 ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL WORK
Course Lecturer: MAGAJI, Jummai Musa (PhD)
Lecture Hours:
Office Location:
Email : [email protected]
Phone :

Course Description
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts, principles, and practices of social
work. It provides an overview of the roles of social workers, the settings in which they work,
and the values and ethics that guide their profession. Emphasis is placed on understanding
human behaviour, social systems, and strategies for addressing social problems.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the history and development of social work as a profession.
2. Identify the core values and ethics of social work practice.
3. Analyse the roles and responsibilities of social workers in various settings.
4. Understand basic theories and models applied in social work.

Course Outline
 Introduction to social work
 Core values and ethics in social work
 Theoretical foundations of social work
 Social work settings and specializations
 Social problems and social work interventions
Recommended Textbooks and Resources
1. Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare: by Charles Zastrow
2. The Social Work Experience: An Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare:
by Mary Ann Suppes and Carolyn Cressy Wells
3. Relevant journals and online resources (e.g., Journal of Social Work, Social Work
Today).
A. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
Definition and Scope of Social Work

Definition of Social Work

Social work is a professional discipline dedicated to enhancing the well-being of

individuals, groups, and communities by addressing their social, emotional, and
economic challenges. It involves a systematic approach to problem-solving and
intervention, grounded in principles of social justice, human rights, and respect for
diversity.

Social work seeks to empower individuals and communities, helping them develop the
capacity to address their needs and improve their quality of life. This profession
combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to address various issues,
including poverty, mental health, family conflict, substance abuse, and child welfare.

Scope of Social Work

The scope of social work is extensive, encompassing multiple fields such as healthcare,
education, criminal justice, and community development. It operates at three primary
levels: micro, mezzo, and macro.

At the micro-level, social workers focus on assisting individuals and families,

addressing personal challenges like unemployment, abuse, or mental health concerns.

The mezzo-level involves working with groups and organizations, such as facilitating
support groups or improving school systems.

At the macro level, social work extends to policy formulation, advocacy, and large-
scale community interventions aimed at systemic change.

This breadth ensures that social work remains a versatile and impactful field, addressing
both immediate and structural societal issues to foster a more equitable and supportive
environment for all.

Historical development of social work

The evolution of social work as a professional discipline reflects humanity's ongoing
efforts to address social issues and support vulnerable populations. Originating from
traditions of charity and religious philanthropy, social work has transformed into an
evidence-based profession deeply embedded in modern welfare systems.

Ancient and Medieval Roots

Social work's early foundations can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Egypt,
Greece, and Rome (as early as 3,000 BCE), where informal systems of mutual aid and
charity were integrated into community and religious practices. Philosophers such as
Plato and Aristotle emphasized justice and care for the disadvantaged, while medieval
European institutions like monasteries organized almsgiving and healthcare. These
efforts, though rudimentary, laid the groundwork for structured social welfare systems.

The Elizabethan Poor Laws (1601)

In 1601, England’s Elizabethan Poor Laws marked a significant step in formalizing
social welfare. These laws introduced the categorization of the poor into "deserving"
(those unable to work) and "undeserving" (those deemed capable of working) and
assigned local parishes the responsibility for providing aid. This system emphasized
government involvement in addressing social issues, setting the stage for modern public
assistance programs.

Industrial Revolution (18th–19th Centuries)

The rapid urbanization and socioeconomic upheavals of the Industrial Revolution led
to widespread poverty and social challenges. Reformers like Octavia Hill and
organizations like the Charity Organization Society (COS) addressed these problems
through casework, systematic investigation, and personal engagement methods that
became foundational to modern social work.

Settlement House Movement (Late 19th Century)

The Settlement House Movement shifted focus to community-based interventions, with
pioneers like Jane Addams establishing facilities that provided education, healthcare,
and social services in impoverished areas. This movement also emphasized social
reform, labour advocacy, and public health improvements.

Formalization of Social Work (Early 20th Century)

By the early 20th century, social work emerged as a distinct profession, supported by
formal training programs like the New York School of Philanthropy (1898). Influential
figures like Mary Richmond advanced the field by developing systematic methods for
casework, which brought scientific rigor to social work practices.

The Welfare State Era (Mid-20th Century)

The Great Depression and global conflicts of the early 20th century highlighted the
need for robust social welfare systems. Programs like the New Deal in the U.S.
expanded the scope of social work into areas such as unemployment relief, housing,
and public health. The post-World War II era saw the establishment of welfare states,
where social workers became central to government-supported social programs.

Modern Social Work (Late 20th Century to Present)

Contemporary social work has grown into a multidisciplinary profession addressing
complex global challenges such as inequality, human rights, and climate change. Fields
like clinical social work, community development, and policy advocacy have expanded
its scope. Advances in technology and research have further enhanced the profession’s
ability to tackle systemic issues like racism, gender inequality, and globalization.

Social work’s evolution reflects society's changing needs, progressing from informal
charity to a structured and professional discipline. By combining principles of
compassion with scientific methods, social work remains essential in promoting social
justice and addressing societal challenges.
Social work continues to evolve, adapting to societal transformations and emerging
challenges while staying rooted in its core values of social justice, service, and respect
for human dignity. This historical trajectory highlights its dynamic nature as both a
science and an art dedicated to improving individual and collective well-being.

Social work as a profession

Social work is a professional field dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-
being of individuals, families, and communities. It involves addressing the social,
emotional, and economic challenges that people face while advocating for social justice
and equality. The profession is rooted in principles such as human dignity, empathy,
service, integrity, and the importance of human relationships. Social workers strive to
understand and respect cultural diversity while promoting the rights and needs of
marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The profession encompasses a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Social workers
provide direct services such as counselling, crisis intervention, and case management
to help clients navigate personal challenges like poverty, mental illness, domestic
violence, or substance abuse. They also engage in advocacy and community organizing
to address systemic issues such as inequality, discrimination, and inadequate access to
resources. In addition, social workers collaborate with other professionals in fields like
healthcare, education, and criminal justice to develop holistic solutions to complex
social problems.

Social work practice is diverse and occurs in various settings, including hospitals,
schools, mental health facilities, non-governmental organizations, correctional
institutions, and social service agencies. It operates on multiple levels: micro
(individuals and families), mezzo (groups and communities), and macro (policy and
systemic change). Social workers use evidence-based approaches and continually
update their skills to address the evolving needs of society.

Ultimately, social work is not just a job but a calling to create a more equitable and
compassionate world by empowering individuals, fostering social change, and building
stronger communities.
 Relevance of Sociology to Social Work
Sociology and social work are closely related fields that complement each other in
addressing social issues and improving individual and community well-being.
Sociology provides the foundation of knowledge and analytical tools that are essential
for social workers to understand and address the complex social issues their clients face.
It enables them to be more effective in advocating for social change and delivering
support to individuals and communities. Sociology is relevant to social work in the
following ways:
1. Understanding Social Problems: Sociology provides the theoretical framework for
understanding the structure of society, social institutions, and patterns of behaviour.
Social workers use this knowledge to understand and address social problems such as
poverty, inequality, family dysfunction, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
2. Social Systems and Context: Sociology helps social workers to comprehend the role of
various social systems—such as family, education, healthcare, and legal systems—and
how they impact individuals and communities. This understanding enables social
workers to assess clients' situations more holistically, considering both personal and
structural factors.
3. Cultural Awareness: Sociology emphasizes the study of cultures, norms, values, and
social behaviours, which helps social workers to better understand and respect the
diverse backgrounds of their clients. This cultural competence is essential for effective
social work practice, especially in diverse and multicultural settings.
4. Social Change and Advocacy: Sociology focuses on social change, power dynamics,
and social justice issues. Social workers often take on advocacy roles, pushing for
policy changes, resource allocation, and social reforms. Sociology provides the insights
needed to understand the root causes of social inequality and the best approaches to
create change.
5. Research and Evaluation: Sociology offers tools for research, such as qualitative and
quantitative methods, that social workers can use to assess client needs, evaluate
programs, and measure the effectiveness of interventions. Evidence-based practices in
social work often rely on sociological research.
6. Human Behaviour and Interaction: Sociology explores human behaviour, group
dynamics, and social interaction. Social workers apply these insights in their practice
to better understand client behaviours, relationships, and how individuals interact with
society.
B. CORE VALUES AND ETHICS IN SOCIAL WORK

The principles of social justice and human rights

The principles of social justice and human rights are foundational to social work as a
profession. They guide social workers in their practice, ensuring that interventions and
policies are equitable, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity. These principles
shape the mission and methods of social work, as they aim to create a fair society where
everyone can access opportunities and resources to achieve their full potential.

Principles of Social Justice in Social Work

1. Equity: Social workers strive to ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunities.
They address systemic inequalities by advocating for marginalized and underserved
populations to have equal access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment.
2. Participation: This principle emphasizes the importance of involving individuals and
communities in decisions that affect their lives. Social workers empower clients to
actively participate in creating solutions to their challenges.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: Recognizing and respecting cultural, ethnic, and individual
differences is central to social work. Social workers promote policies and practices that
value diversity and address discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, religion,
disability, or other factors.
4. Advocacy for the Vulnerable: Social workers champion the rights of those who are
vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. They challenge unjust policies, practices,
and structures that perpetuate inequality.

Principles of Human Rights in Social Work

1. Dignity and Worth of the Individual: Social workers recognize every person’s inherent
dignity and work to uphold their self-worth. This principle calls for treating clients with
respect and sensitivity, regardless of their circumstances.
2. Right to Self-Determination: Individuals have the right to make choices and control
their lives. Social workers support clients in identifying their goals and making
decisions while respecting their autonomy.
3. Access to Basic Needs: Social workers advocate for the fulfillment of fundamental
human rights, such as access to food, water, shelter, education, and healthcare. Ensuring
these rights are met is essential for the well-being and development of individuals and
communities.

4. Non-Discrimination: Upholding human rights requires addressing and dismantling all

forms of discrimination. Social workers ensure that their practices and policies do not
perpetuate inequalities or biases.
 Ethical responsibilities and dilemmas
Social workers operate within a framework of ethical responsibilities, guided by
professional codes of ethics, such as those provided by the International Federation of
Social Workers (IFSW) or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). These
ethical responsibilities reflect their commitment to promoting social justice, human
dignity, and the well-being of individuals and communities. However, social workers
also face complex dilemmas that challenge their ability to adhere to ethical principles
while meeting the diverse needs of clients, organizations, and society.

Ethical Responsibilities of Social Workers

1. Respect for the Dignity and Worth of the Individual

Social workers are ethically obligated to respect the inherent dignity of every person.
They must treat clients with care, recognizing their unique experiences, strengths, and
self-determination.
2. Commitment to Social Justice

Social workers advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities,

particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups. They must challenge systemic
inequalities and discrimination in their practice.
3. Confidentiality
Protecting clients' privacy is a cornerstone of social work ethics. Social workers must
safeguard information shared by clients, disclosing it only when legally required or to
prevent serious harm to the client or others.
4. Informed Consent

Clients have the right to make decisions about their care. Social workers are required
to provide clear, accurate information about services, risks, and potential outcomes,
ensuring clients can make informed choices.
5. Cultural Competence

Social workers must recognize and respect cultural differences. They are responsible
for ensuring their practices are inclusive and sensitive to the cultural values, beliefs,
and traditions of the individuals and communities they serve.
6. Professional Competence

Social workers are responsible for maintaining their knowledge, skills, and professional
development. This ensures their practice is evidence-based and aligns with current
ethical standards.

7. Accountability
Social workers must act with integrity, adhering to professional standards and laws.
They are accountable to clients, employers, and society for their actions and decisions.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics Nigeria
Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work
Ethical dilemmas arise when social workers face conflicting responsibilities, values, or
interests that make it difficult to determine the right course of action. These dilemmas
can involve:
1. Conflicts Between Client Autonomy and Safety

Social workers often balance respecting a client’s right to self-determination with the
need to protect their safety. For example, a client may refuse treatment for a mental
health condition, but their refusal could pose a danger to themselves or others.
2. Confidentiality vs. Duty to Report

While confidentiality is vital, social workers may be legally required to breach it in

cases such as suspected child abuse, domestic violence, or when a client poses an
immediate threat to others. This can create tension between protecting client trust and
fulfilling legal obligations.
3. Resource Constraints

Limited resources in social services may force social workers to prioritize clients or
make decisions about allocating scarce resources. This can lead to ethical challenges
when all clients have significant needs.

4. Cultural or Personal Value Conflicts

Social workers may encounter situations where a client’s beliefs, behaviours, or
decisions conflict with their personal or cultural values. For example, a client’s choice
regarding family planning may contradict the social worker’s religious beliefs.

5. Dual Relationships
Ethical dilemmas can arise when a social worker has multiple roles with a client, such
as being a professional counsellor and a personal acquaintance. These situations can
lead to conflicts of interest or impaired judgment.

6. Advocacy vs. Organizational Policies

Social workers often advocate for systemic change, but they may encounter resistance
from their employer or organizational policies that contradict their ethical obligations.
7. End-of-Life Decisions
Social workers in healthcare settings may face dilemmas related to euthanasia,
palliative care, or a client's decision to refuse life-sustaining treatment. Balancing
ethical, legal, and emotional factors can be challenging