In today’s modern world, most people live in complex societies instead of simple ones. What’s more, as social complexities increase, so do injustice and inequality. Plus, we cannot forget about the ever-widening gap between the wealthy and poor members of society. Modern injustice and inequality result from globalization and liberalism, which the professionally elite leverage the most. Due to such a thing, social exclusion and marginalization become a reality. Not to mention, social injustice and discrimination are at an all-time high.
That said, social work tries to bring balance to all the issues mentioned above. In fact, social workers everywhere are working day-in and day-out to ensure disadvantaged and less privileged people receive the same perks as the financially elite. In addition, these professionals focus on helping individuals overcome difficult situations in their lives, assisting various ethnic groups in moving past problems via multiple services and initiatives provided by non-profits and governments worldwide. Social workers are an essential part of a functional society. Without them, the needy have nowhere to go. Let us look at the importance of social work in shaping our society.
- Social Work Is An Effective Weapon In The Fight Against Racism
Anti-racism has always been a significant aspect of social work and its core value. In fact, social workers worldwide are committed to eradicating prejudice and ending racism. To do so, social workers utilize action programs and initiatives to address equality issues in society. In addition, these professionals are well-trained in addressing inequality in the workplace or the community, ensuring people from various races, cultures, and ethnicities receive the same medical services as their white counterparts.
After all, cultural competence in social work relates to the cultural differences of individuals that require social services. So, workers who demonstrate this skill better understand the need of culturally different groups and people, approaching them with respect and cultural sensitivity.
- Social Work Provides A Link Between Families, Schools, And Students
There is no doubt that we want our children to be the leaders of society. However, to achieve such a thing, we have to look after our kids’ educational needs and requirements, ensuring that they flourish in the school environment. That said, a school social worker is responsible for advocating for students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being and supporting them during tough times. In addition, they counsel students, conducting home and school visits to connect at-risk children with helpful social services and resources.
Furthermore, they intervene when children struggle at school, helping them discover healthier ways to succeed in their education. Moreover, they collaborate with the schools and teachers to determine if students are struggling academically, socially, and emotionally, identifying and eliminating the root cause. In the end, social workers are excellent listeners who can develop trusting relationships with students facing various issues such as bullying, allowing them to progress in their academics and building more confident leaders of tomorrow.
- Social Work Plays A Vital Role In Improving The Mental Health Of The Population
In a world where various illnesses like personality disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety are ever-present, and people don’t receive the help they require, social work plays a vital role. Not to mention, the uncertainties resulting from the ongoing pandemic have increased the need for mental health support for families everywhere. That said, social workers, especially mental health social workers, allow individuals to receive healthcare services and relationships management advice through advocacy, support, and therapy. In addition, they help build resilience in individuals struggling with recurring mental health issues via their vast community networks, allowing them to become a functioning part of society.
Furthermore, social workers working in clinical settings even diagnose and treat mental health issues through individual, family, or couples counseling. So, if you’re someone from a minority group facing mental health issues, getting in touch with a social worker will drastically improve your chances of getting well.
- Social Work Is Crucial To Addressing The Needs Of An Aging Society
Social workers worldwide are committed to addressing seniors above sixty-five years of age and their ever-growing needs and requirements. These social workers are crucial in countries such as the U.S., where the aging baby boomers account for a massive chunk of the population. Due to such a thing, social workers provide and administer care for the unique requirements of such a demographic while delivering social and healthcare services to improve their health and well-being.
Furthermore, they support aging patients in a clinical setting, working with other caregivers, ensuring these geriatric patients are well cared for and treated with dignity and respect.
- Social Work Helps Fight Poverty
There is no shadow of a doubt that we will never rid our world of poverty entirely. However, social workers have always been the driving force behind creating various initiatives to decrease the disastrous effects of poverty. After all, they played a massive role in implementing and developing multiple government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, these governments initiatives during Barrack Obama’s presidency offered high-quality medical services to various ethnic groups and underprivileged people without incurring a high cost.
Furthermore, they help the poor by providing resources like shelter, clothing, and food by collaborating with the proper non-profit organizations and government agencies. Not to mention, they run various individual campaigns on their own to gather funds for locals that lack basic amenities such as healthcare services, jobs, and much more. In the end, social workers are like superheroes to the poor, constantly fighting and helping them during times of crisis.
If you want to impact the world positively, empower people to change their lives, and help strengthen multiple communities worldwide, becoming a social worker might be the best career path for you. After all, the development of healthy, vibrant, strong communities has always been the long-term target of social work. So, if you want to advocate, counsel, and facilitate those in need, become a voice and help society overcome barriers that eradicate poverty, racism, injustice, and prejudice from the world!