Social work

SESSION 2 : 4 March 2010 (The social construction of social problems

Text Reviewed

Kenny , S (1999 . Developing Communities for the Future : Community Development in Australia (2nd ed (Chapter 3 . Victoria : Nelson Thomson Learning

Every community development worker should be aware of how false and detrimental ideas become embedded in our social reality through various social theories . To give but one example , a hangover of functionalism is the notion that each individual should agree to carry out his or her designated social role in to ensure smooth functioning of the society

. Law and campaigns and disciplining deviants (gays and lesbians or representatives of youth subcultures ) are based on this notion . Paradoxically , this notion has found its way into the New Right ideology , which outsources ' all welfare functions to a strong traditional family and emphasizes the need to socialize children as law-abiding and work-oriented citizens in to let the market take care of the economic life . Other theories offer explanations why people accept their social role , although it is not in their best interest . For example , looking-glass self concept from social interactionism argues that people act in accordance with labels to them by others Western Marxism answers the question of why the working class people accept their lot by introducing the concept of ideological state apparatus that comprises media , educational institutions , and trade unions , which allows powerful groups to manufacture consent ' and exercise control through persuasion rather then coercion . Traditional liberal theory , which views individuals as rational , autonomous...