Analyzing Social Work Related Current Events - Essay Example

There are current issues that have in the recent past occurred that can be linked to social work in society. This paper, therefore, seeks to critically analyze two social work-related current events and the relevance this has to social workers.

One of the most profound current events that are affecting society today is intoxication by the use of alcoholic beverages (Glicken, 2011). This is a menace that has been imitated by the younger generation in the modern-day world. In states that allow drinking habits for persons aged below 21 years are more likely to engage in binge drinking activities. This is according to research findings done by Andrew D. Plunk. This is identified as a major threat to societal norms and values since in the long run; it poses a great threat to the social fabric. Social workers assist in such cases in many different ways. One major way is by educating society with a special target to campus students. Binge drinking is a current event which if not controlled in the right manner through the involvement of social work in society, would result in slower economic growth in the long run. Availing resources to the addicted such as rehabilitation centers is a way of fighting this social vice.

Another current issue in social work is the mistreatment of the elderly population in the country. It is estimated that one out of every five elderly people is exposed to mistreatment by their caretakers. The mistreatment ranges from direct physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological torment. The cases have been on the increase in the recent past which calls for proper social engagement to avert any far-reaching consequences (Hepworth, 2010). It is prudent to note that proper health care is a collective social responsibility and that this has to be shared with the immediate society. It is the onus of every social worker to spearhead this particular message that the elderly in society need proper care since they are less productive. Therefore it is the responsibility of society with the assistance of social workers to ensure this is effective and humanity restored.

In conclusion, therefore, there are current events that pose a challenge to modern-day society. This calls for the adoption of better social strategies to improve the general social welfare of the community. Social vices such as intoxication especially for the underage youths and total neglect of the elderly people in society need to be apprehended and dealt with appropriately. In this way, sustainable social development is achieved. To attain all this, an enabling environment is crucial as a tool for measuring social deviance and restoring it.