Relationship of Social Work with other Social Sciences

Relationship of Social Work with other Social Sciences Dr. Muhammad Ibrar 6/6/2021 1

Introduction Social work accepts and approve only those concepts which enable social workers to understand their clients and problems. Thus social work’s approach to knowledge from social sciences is selective. Social work borrows from sociology, economics, psychology, political science etc. which contribute to the understanding of human nature, social system and social problems. 6/6/2021 2

…Contd With each of these, social work maintains cordial relations but its function is something other that of any one of them. At the same time, all of these social sciences contribute to the enrichment of this profession. While it borrows heavily from the social sciences, it has also developed a body of knowledge, skills and methods of its own. 6/6/2021 3

…Contd In the words of Prof. Friedlander: “social work has drawn its knowledge and insight from political science, psychology, sociology, economics, medicine, psychiatry, anthropology, biology, history, education and philosophy, but by synthesis it has developed into a science of its own. As a profession social work depends upon the body of knowledge based upon these and other social sciences. ” 6/6/2021 4

1. Social Work & Sociology Social work is often regarded as “applied sociology”. Social work draws its insights and skills from many fields of knowledge within the social sciences and sociology is one among them. Sociology deals with the social relationship, human behavior in groups and the processes that shape these relationships. According to Mac Iver, “sociology is about relationships, a network of relationships we call society and the study of society is called Sociology”. 6/6/2021 5

…Contd But the equilibrium (balance) of social relations is often shaken by social changes. Under such conditions, the institutional control no; longer functions effectively and a result community life and existing values are disrupted. This deviation creates many social and cultural problems. Sociology helps us in the study of social problems and finds solutions for the betterment of society at large. 6/6/2021 6

…Contd Both sociology and social work look at the society essentially as a network of social relationships and aim at the social uplift of its weaker sections. But sociology provides a scientific analysis of society and its problems whereas social work provides the most suitable means and method for their solution. 6/6/2021 7

…Contd In brief, sociology on its part inspires social works by providing a theoretical background. On the other hand, social work converts theoretical knowledge into an applied form and provides practical solutions for the social problems. It deals with social problems from the humanitarian point of view. Thus being a socially oriented discipline, social work is very near to sociology. Both the branches of knowledge are dependent on each other. 6/6/2021 8

2. Social work and Economics as one among the social sciences, is concerned with wealth. It deals with the way in which man earns wealth, distributes it and finally enjoy it. Economics, as Prof. Marshal points out, studies on the one hand , material wealth on the other, human happiness. It tends to study how man satisfies his wants, what economic problems he faces and what material resources he has at his disposal to solve them. 6/6/2021 9

…Contd Economics provides us solution to our economic problems. All its findings and planning are concerned with human welfare. This suggests that economics is a social science which studies society as a whole. Social work tries to find out the best course of action towards the solution of the social problems. Of the various factors that contribute to social problem, economic factors are the chief ones. They are the root of many social problems. 6/6/2021 10

…Contd. Social problems such as crime, poverty, unemployment, beggary, child labor etc. are by and large, based on unsatisfactory economic conditions. Individual happiness is often dependent upon economic factors. They seriously threaten society. Thus social work and economics are interdependent. Both are concerned with the welfare of man and society. 6/6/2021 11

3. Social work and Psychology is the study of human behavior. A psychologist is always interested in understanding the individual and his/her behavior. According to Prof. R. S. Woodworth: “psychology can be defined as the science of the activities of the individual. ” The word ‘activity’ is used here in a very broad sense. 6/6/2021 12

…Contd. “It includes not only motor activities like walking and speaking, but also cognitive (knowledge-setting) activities like seeing, remembering and thinking and emotional activities like laughing, crying and feeling happy or sad. ” The psychology helps the social workers in understanding the psychological aspects of many of a social problem. For instance, mental conflicts or mental disorders are responsible for many social problems. 6/6/2021 13

…Contd. Similarly, the approach adopted with regard to child welfare and correctional services is also based on psychology. In this way social work is closely related to psychology. 6/6/2021 14

4. Social Work and Political Science The state, through its laws and regulations, tries to control those factors which are involved in the causation of social problems. On the other hand, social work provides the methods and techniques useful with regard to the solution of social problems. The important aspects of social services i. e. social welfare, social security and social assistance are mostly carried out by the public agencies. 6/6/2021 15

…Contd. The social legislations enacted by the state have their direct impact on the social problems. The democratic philosophy, which in the present set up, guides the state functions, is based on equity and liberty. The philosophy of modern social work is also based on these principles and as such both the branches of knowledge are dependent on each other. 6/6/2021 16

5. Social Work and Anthropology According to Jacobs and Stern, “Anthropology is the scientific study of the physical, social and cultural development and behavior of human beings since their appearance on earth. ” It deals with man and races of mankind. In brief, anthropology is that branch of science which is nearest to a total study of man. Social work deals with the psycho-social problems of individual, group and community. 6/6/2021 17

…Contd. Therefore, in order to implement the programme of social work in any group or community, it is essential to understand the cultural background of that community or group. In this way, anthropology provides aid to social work towards the proper understanding of customs, traditions, faiths and beliefs prevalent among the members of different groups and communities. Thus, social work and anthropology are dependent on each other. 6/6/2021 18