SWRK 197 Competency Appraisal

Concepts of Social Change and Development

• Social workers aim to foster social change, solve problems in human relationships, and empower individuals for enhanced well-being.
• Theories of human behavior and social systems guide social work interventions at the intersection of individuals and their environments.
• Fundamental principles of human rights and social justice are central to social work practices.

Social Change

• Constant creation and negotiation of social order characterizing societal dynamics.
• Concept encompasses social progress and socio-cultural evolution, suggesting societies evolve through dialectical or evolutionary processes.

Development

• Defined as the progress towards improved quality of human life.
• Various authors provide distinct definitions of development, highlighting its complexity.

Definition of Development According to Different Authors

• Dudley Seers: Development involves the reduction or elimination of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
• Edgar Owens emphasizes human development over mere economic growth.

Social Development

• Often intertwined with economic development, focusing on improving living standards and overall well-being.

Economic Development

• Centers on economic growth, job creation, and increased wealth but must align with social factors.

Participatory Development

• Advocates for active involvement of individuals in the decision-making processes affecting their lives and communities.

Conceptions and Dimensions of Development

• Economic Growth: Refers to increases in a nation’s production and consumption of goods and services.
• Increased Welfare and Human Development: Assesses improvements in health, education, and quality of life.
• Modernization: Process of societal transition towards contemporary practices and technologies.
• Elimination of Dependency: Striving for self-sufficiency and autonomy of communities and nations in utilizing resources.
• Sustainable Development: Development aimed at meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Initiatives of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

• Focus on integrating sustainability into development practices to enhance resilience against disasters.

Development as History

• Observes the evolution of development concepts and practices through historical contexts.

Social Change and Development Theories

• Functionalist Theory: Views society as a system of interrelated parts working together.
• Rostow’s Modernization Theory: Proposes stages of economic growth leading to modernization.
• Dependency Theory: Explains underdevelopment as a result of exploitative relationships with developed nations.
• Dialectical and Historical Materialism: Analyzes societal changes through conflicts and material conditions.
• Neo-Liberalism: Advocates for free-market policies as a path to economic development.
• Conflict Theory: Focuses on social tensions and inequalities as drivers of social change.
• Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Examines the subjective meanings and day-to-day interactions that influence social life.
• Feminist Perspective: Advocates for gender equity and critiques patriarchal structures in social contexts.

Perspectives on Social Development

• Diversity Perspectives: Recognizes and values varied cultural identities and practices.
• Strength Perspectives: Focuses on individuals' strengths as a basis for growth and resilience.
• Empowerment Perspectives: Aims to enable individuals to take control of their lives and make decisions.
• Spirituality and Faith Sensitive Perspectives: Considers spiritual beliefs in the context of social work.
• Ethno-cultural Perspectives: Emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and respect in social work.

Feminist Perspectives

• Women in Development (WID): Focuses on integrating women into development processes.
• Women and Development (WAD): Critiques WID for not addressing underlying gender inequalities.
• Gender and Development (GAD): Promotes a structural approach to gender issues in development.

People-Centered Development

• Emphasizes community involvement and prioritizes human needs in development initiatives.

Anti-Oppressive Vulnerable Life Situation Perspectives

• Aims to identify and challenge inequalities affecting marginalized groups within society.

Approaches to Development

• Basic Needs Approach: Focuses on ensuring essential needs are met for enhanced quality of life.
• Rights-Based Approach: Integrates human rights principles into development goals.
• Inclusive Growth: Advocates for policies that support equitable economic opportunities, particularly for women.
• Risk-Hazard Model: Examines development in the context of risk management and disaster readiness.

This quiz focuses on Social Change and Development perspectives within the realm of Social Work. It examines key concepts and theories related to social work practices as part of the written report requirements. Prepare to engage with critical frameworks that inform social work competencies.