Multiple Part assignment for philosophy of social work.

Social welfare history in the United States began with English attitudes that if the poor were not given some assistance to survive, they would become threats to the stability of society. Assistance was given grudgingly to poor people. However, those who were poor through no fault of their own held a slightly higher place in the hearts and minds of helpers than those who were poor because they did not try hard enough, had character flaws, or made serious mistakes. This dichotomy prevails today. Poor persons who are able-bodied, unemployed, alcoholic, or divorced, and those who are seen as lazy or as malingerers are considered undeserving. The deserving poor are children, elderly people, widows, war veterans, those who are sick, and people who are mentally ill or disabled. OBJECTIVES To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to: 1. Assess the intentions for developing systems and policies that affect vulnerable people in societies. 2. Assess the implementation of the philosophy of social work, past and present, in practice with people who are disadvantaged, discriminated against, and at risk for poor outcomes. 3. Explain how social work policies further the philosophical goals of social work and social justice. Definition of Social Problems Write a short paper (maximum three pages, double spaced) analyzing the definition of social problems in the United States. Consider using a specific social problem (such as mental illness, family structure, youth violence, hunger or food insecurity, or one of the areas of focus from Glassner) as a foundation for your paper. In the paper define and discuss social definitions of social problems in the United States.  What are the claims (the assumptions, evidence, and conclusions) about social problems and the impact of marginalized populations on society?  Who or what makes or shapes these claims?  What does social opinion suggest as methods to reduce, prevent, or remedy social problems and who should do it?  What philosophies or beliefs about what society should do versus what individuals should do drive the practice of social work around identified social problems and marginalized populations?  How are disadvantage, discrimination, and risk for marginalization dealt with? 4. Provide an example of how society has defined a "social problem" compared to how social work research and practice defines the issue (examples: suicide and depression, or chronic pain and addiction). Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message. APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA (sixth edition) style and formatting. Minimum of 4 resources. • American Social History Compare a period in American social history with a more current period (Late 20th century or 2001 to present). For example, you might compare practices from 1990–2001 with the Colonial period (late 1700s), the Revolutionary period, the pre-Civil War era, the Reconstruction, The Progressive Era, the Great Depression, periods of war and wealth, peace and complacency, the civil rights era, the War on Poverty, or the period of conservatism (1970–1990). 1. How were discriminated against, disadvantaged, and at-risk people identified and perceived in your chosen time periods? 2. What role was government expected to play and what role was the individual or family expected to play to improve conditions and outcomes for these discriminated against, disadvantaged, and at-risk people? Use subheadings to identify the two time periods and respond to both questions for each time period. Use the Kirst-Ashman text and the NASW Web site to support your discussions; use additional resources. • Culture of Poverty Discuss the concepts of "culture of poverty" and empowerment related to poverty. o How do social beliefs or definitions of poverty impact the culture of poverty? o What other factors beyond economic status shape the culture of poverty? • Violence as a Social Justice Issue Consider research evidence on the efficacy of interventions in criminal behaviors and efforts for preventing crime. How do authors of this unit's readings define crime and violence as social justice issues? What interventions are used to work with people involved in the legal system (provide one for perpetrators, one for victims) and how well do they appear to work? Low plagiarism, references cited. Work completed by deadline.