The Social Workers Responsibility - Essay Example

Social Work Essay Purpose for Pursuing Social Work When examining the of New England’s mission ment for the Social Work program I am immediately drawn to its proactive approach to enacting constructive social change to the contemporary social environment. It’s my belief that the role of a social worker goes beyond merely dedication to a job and a paycheck, but rather it is the social worker’s responsibility to aid individual’s in society who may need help and direction finding their way in society. While I believe it is the responsibility of all members of society to assume personal agency over their lives, I recognize that in some situations there are significant hindrances to universal human rights and social and economic justice. Academic Background Through my studies in sociology and literature as an undergraduate I realized that scholastic research can add considerable insight into the processes by which society operates. Indeed, by studying and reading sociological texts I became more observerant of the injustices in the world. After learning about discrepancies in social classes, I was inspired to read a famous sociology book by Mitchell Duneier’s called Slim’s Table: Race, Respectability, and Masculinity. The book is about working class culture black men in Chicago. Upon reading I thought that it was an excellent analysis of this particular sub-culture. Throughout the semester I continued my studies in sociology and the insight I gained from the course has given me a completely new outlook on the role of the social worker and the pressing need for individuals to ensure social justice for the downtrodden members of society. Another instance that instance that drew my attention to the discrepancy of social justice in the United States was my study of the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement. In a speech at an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education Supreme Court decision, Bill Cosby offered an impressionistic indictment of the ills he found within contemporary culture and poor Americans to collectively engage in a process of increased social responsibility and personal agency. Cosby argues that while oppressive social structures and racism were the once the predominant reasons for the achievement gap, with the advancements of the Civil Rights movement -- as exemplified in the Brown vs. Board of Education decision – today, progressive developments in African-American education and financial security will occur by turning the microscope inward and taking personal responsibility. “It’s not what they’re doing to us. It’s what we’re not doing. 50 percent drop out.” Cosby states, “It’s not about the money. It’s about the money. It’s about you doing something ordinarily that we do – get in somebody else’s business...What the hell good is Brown vs. Board of Education if nobody wants it?” This dire need for personal responsibility among poor Americans is exactly what Princeton Professor Cornell West considers when recognizing the significant contributions Cosby has made to black social causes over the preceding 45 years and establishes the intentions of Cosby’s message as emanating from a deep and genuine concern for the advancement of the black race. West recognizes that an explanation for the backlash towards Dr. Cosby within some black community leadership can possibly be linked to the harsh reality of Cosby’s message and the fear of “…speaking(ing) certain painful truths to each other.” Cosby’s actions are courageous and necessary; by imploring poor black Americans to develop higher standards of personal responsibility -- rather than being degrading – he is showing this section of society an increased amount of respect by recognizing they are capable of overcoming challenges that critical black leadership assumes are out of their control. Influences It’s this confluence of research that has led me to believe that through further academic study it is possible to learn about social injustice that exists in the United States and develop a career that works towards enacting positive change in society. While influential individuals like Bill Cosby and Cornell West, as well seminal sociological texts, have shown me the necessity for individuals to study society and to take up social work, my individual background and personal experiences have also greatly influenced my decision to pursue the Social Work Masters Program at the University of New England. I have a diverse cultural background and have been exposed through my family, friends, and scholastic pursuits to a broad array of cultures and socioeconomic classes. I am bilingual – speaking German and English – and understand the challenge many individuals face in attempting to assimilate into a culture in which the dominant language is not their natural language. Issue of Greatest Importance Upon completion of the University of New England’s Masters in Social Work I would strive to realize the University’s mission statement and work towards aiding society by promoting social justice and social health through my work in a variety of contexts. While I am interested in all aspects of social work, I believe one of the most pressing issues currently facing society is the rampant drug and alcohol abuse that has crippled many individuals and the family’s that love and rely on these individuals. I realize that drug and alcohol abuse is a complex issue that involves my levels of health and social concerns. For instance, oftentimes alcohol dependence could be the complex result of mental health issues, addictive personality disorders, or possibly family pressures. Similarly drug abuse has a series of complex social causes that cannot be easily determined. Another reason that has led me to become interested in drug and alcohol abuse is because many veterans are coming back from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. In order to combat these symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder many veterans have turned to drug and alcohol abuse. While the symptoms of PTSD have become an issue that has been greatly explored in recent cultural conversations, notably the film Hurt Locker demonstrated the tragic consequences that often await veterans upon returning home and being unable to readily assimilate into society, the effects of PTSD have also had an impact on my life as my spouse is a returning veteran. I have directly witnesses the changes and challenges he has experienced as a direct result of his time spent in a remote village in Afghanistan. He experienced constant mortar shells and upon returning home had tremendous difficulty assimilating back into society. Neither of us understood what was occurring, but I witnessed as his condition deteriorated and he gradually retreated into frequent alcohol abuse. Realizing there was an issue I began researching the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and shared my findings with my spouse. I ensured that he received adequate and frequent treatment and I worked to help him through his therapeutic programs. As his condition gradually improved I saw firsthand how the effects of therapy and social programs can have positive impacts on the lives of individuals. I realized if I could help my spouse with his tremendous difficulty that I could also help other individuals with similar problems. This way I could have a meaningful career in a field that I am passionate about and confident that I can succeed in. It’s my hope that through the University of New England’s Masters of Social Work program I can combine my background in the social sciences and my multi-cultural experiences to learn to better help individuals with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Indeed, my work with my spouse has shown me that I have an aptitude for helping others with challenging emotional and social issues. I hope that through the University of New England’s Masters of Social Work program I can hone these skills, learn more about new areas that I can apply my aptitude to help other individuals, and ensure that the University’s mission statement is realized. Experience with Online Learning I realize that the online learning environment poses a number of challenges for individuals that might not have experience with the challenges of distance learning. Having taken a number of online courses I understand the particular challenges this format poses and have developed the strong study skills and time management ability to not only complete, but to excel in this environment. I also appreciate the online format for the flexibility it allows in scheduling and the shift it makes in impetus, in requiring the student to take increased personal responsibility for their learning and success. Throughout my life, I have sought out challenging and varied work situations to develop my skills and abilities and this is what I hope to achieve as a student in the University of New England Social Work Masters Program. I believe my multi-cultural background, experience in the social sciences, and drive to see the University’s mission statement put into action in aiding society in positive and proactive ways make me an excellent candidate. I request admission and look forward to the challenging and enriching journey that follows. Read More