The Sociology and Development of Social Work module (SW11009)

One of the best ways to understand what social work is today is to understand how and why it developed. Social work does not exist in a vacuum, it is shaped by all kinds of forces and circumstances. Understanding these developments is invaluable. This understanding helps you work towards a qualification in social work.

Have you ever wondered where our understanding of things like 'childhood', 'the family', 'mental illness' or 'poverty' comes from? It may surprise you to learn that none of these concepts has always existed in the way that we understand them. Also, they look very different in other cultures.

If we can begin to understand how and why we arrived at social work in its current form, we will be better able to make sense of its social functions. Also, it will enable you to begin to imagine alternative futures for the profession.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore taken-for-granted assumptions about the world as they apply to social work
• explore the development of key concepts in social work
• consider how social work is shaped by social forces
• understand the contribution of sociological enquiry to your own development in social work

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• give a basic account of the social circumstances that led to the development of social work
• show understanding of key social structures and systems such as the family, childhood and youth, poverty, and social class
• understand why this knowledge is important for the practice of social work and in re-imagining its futures

Assignments / assessment

• 2,000-word essay (100%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• discussions in small groups