Essay on Context of Human Services

Format: Reflection

First person is acceptable

Academic references must be used to support your argument

Length: 1,000 words

Curriculum Mode: Essay

“Human service work can be seen as an opportunity for social change or a means of maintaining social order.”

Discuss the above statement with reference to:

1)Your own values and the way they have impacted on your view of the world

2)How dominant political and social ideologies impact on human service.

These two frameworks - your own values and the dominant ideologies you have identified should provide the basis for your discussion of the question.

You may use first person when describing your values as this is a partly reflective piece but you must use academic language and references to support your argument.

In this assignment students will reflect on the way they think about human service provision (as an opportunity for social change or as a way in which to maintain social order and/or social control).

They will reflect on their own values and the way these have impacted on their own ways of viewing the world.

They will also recognise that dominant ideologies as expressed by those in the media and politics impact on the way human services are provided.

Dos and Don’ts

Do - use “I”- you are reflecting on your own learning.

Don’t - use other people’s names or identify individuals.

Do - use examples of how your learning is relevant to your social world.

Don’t - disclose private or personal information that you feel uncomfortable sharing.

Do - use your text and prescribed readings.

Don’t just say “Social work is more about social change /social control” without explaining why.

Don’t just give your opinion- what we want is a reasoned, well-argued essay about the relationship between your values and the above question.

Resources:

Chenoweth, L & McAuliffe, D 2014, The Road to Social Work & Human Service Practice, Cengage Learning Australia, South Melbourne, Victoria. (or 2018 edition).

Fawcett, B, Goodwin, S, Meagher, G & Phillips, R 2010, Social Policy for Social Change Palgrave Macmillan,

South Yarra.

Jamrozik, A 2009 Social Policy in the Post-Welfare State, Australian Society in the 21st Century 2nd edn NSW

Pearson Education, Australia.

O’Connor, I, Wilson, J & Setterlund, D (eds) 2006, Social work and welfare practice, Sage, London.