Sociology of Social Work

Sociology of Social Work

Contribution of Sociology to Social Work Practice

Introduction

Social work (SW ) is a professional activity wherein practitioners engage in their craft to contribute to policy and practice with a view to reducing inequalities in society and ameliorating the local and personal effects of these on individuals and the community . Theories in SW essentially form practice . In the social sciences theoretical knowledge is contested because different theories offer competing definitions of reality reflecting particular values and ideologies . Hence theories have interest groups within social work seeking to

influence over our understanding of the nature and practice of social work by gaining acceptance of their theory (Payne 1997 ,

.2 . In fact according to Berger and Luckmann (1966 ) even our understanding of reality is socially constructed . Therefore there is no single , objective reality , but competing realities derived from different forms of knowledge and experience . Essentially methods translate theories into practice . It is therefore imperative that we develop a critical understanding of social methods and the theories that underpin them so that we continuously cultivate good working practices (Offer 1999

This essay will examine the significance of sociology and the importance of a good understanding of the society in which we live . This essay will also provide an understanding of what sociology is , and an insight into each perspective in relation to a particular concept and some of the social problems surrounding it . It will identify how an understanding of sociology is useful in helping social workers understand , evaluate and resolve the potential problems faced by their client groups , and will assess the importance and contribution of sociology in social work practice

Contribution of Sociology Theories to Social Work

Sociology differs to psychology , in as much as psychology studies the individual and that individual 's reactions and involvement within society . Sociology concentrates its approach on a much wider level looking at the bigger picture . Giddens (1989 ,

.18 ) reports that the study of sociology offers the individual an opportunity to detach oneself from preconceived ideas about social life , however it does pose specific problems , mainly because of the complex problems involved in subjecting our own behaviour to study . It is hard to be objective which you are directly involved in , and later on in the essay , it is apparent how this has influenced , and biased some perspectives

Sociology developed as a science in the late 1700s . It was initially a way of attempting to understand the great changes happening in industry and society around that time , following a period of social and industrial revolutions throughout England and the transition from feudal England , into a more capitalist and industrialised society (Davies 1997 ) Although there are many definitions of sociology , there is no clear cut definition as to what it encompasses . Macionis and Plummer (1997 ,

. 4 ) say that the definition of sociology is the "systematic study of human society , whilst "The study of human social behaviour especially the study of the origins , organization , institutions , and development of human society

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