Definition of Social Work

Definition of Social Work

Social work can be defined by its goals, scope, activities, and basis of its practice:

Social work is planned, purposeful intervention based on professional knowledge, value, skills and aimed at individual and social change (Wells, 1984)

(Basis of practice)

Social work seeks to enhance the social functioning of individuals, singularly and in groups, by activities focused upon their social relationship which constitute interaction between individual and their environment. (Bollim, 1958).

(goal of practice)

Social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favourable to that goal. (N.A.S.W.)

(Goal of practice)

Social work is concerned and involved with the interactions between people and the institutions of society that affect the ability of people to accomplish life tasks, realise aspirations and values, and alleviate distress. (Baer and Federico, 1978)

(Scope of practice)

The purposeful and ethical application of personal skills in interpersonal relationships directed towards enhancing the personal and social function of an individual, family, group or neighbourhood, which necessarily involves using evidenced obtained from practice to help create a social environment conducive to the well-being of all (B.A.S.W.)

(goal, scope and basis of practice.)
Social work is the profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the enhancement of the quality of life and the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in society. Social workers pursue these goals by working to address the barriers, inequalities, and injustices that exist in society, and by active involvement in situations of personal distress and crisis. This is done by working with individuals towards the realisation of their intellectual, physical and emotional potentials, and by working with individuals, groups and communities in the pursuit and achievement of equitable access to social, economic and political resources. Social workers also pursue their goals:

Through involvement in research, policy development and analysis, consultancy, and management.

Work with individuals, groups and communities to shape and change the conditions in which they live.

Advocate for disadvantaged members of society.

Work towards the elimination of structural inequalities in society to facilitate a more equitable distribution of resources.

Engage in research to build our knowledge base and understanding of society.

Analyse, challenge and develop social policies.

Social work practice is informed by professional education based on an analysis and understanding of human development and behaviour and of complex social processes. It accepts a commitment to working within a stated value position and code of ethics. An integral part of the education of each social worker is the demonstration in practice settings of this analysis, understanding and commitment. (A.A.S.W.)

(goal, scope, activities, and basis of practice.)

Social Work Tasks

There are at least three types of tasks performed by social workers:

Social work task with the following elements:

Goal directed
Has a knowledge base
Enhance the social function of individual, family, group, neighbourhood or society
Consistent with the value base of social work

Tasks which are essential in the completion of social work task (e.g. writing recordings)
Non social work task not related to the completion of social work task (e.g. distributing leaflets in the streets).

Boundary of social work practice

There is no clear boundary of social work practice

Not every task performed by social workers is a social work task
Personnel other than social workers can be performing similar social work task (e.g. providing counseling.)