Module 1 Flashcards
Social Welfare Definition
Highly abstract, no universally agreed definition
Term gained popularity in late 19th early 20th centuries when industrialization, urbanization and immigration were transforming city life
City transformation early 19th, 20th centuries
created modern problems, new problems
ex- poverty, unemployment, family breakdown & everyone was at risk
Social welfare term evolved out of/ reflects:
Social Reform
and ALSO// replaced the old term “Charity”
Social Welfare meaning:
A formal, organized & government approach to ensure a basic standard of living for all (Leiby, 1977)
governmental approach to ensure basic standards of living and meet a basic standard of living
Social Welfare:
societies vision of well being, health, happiness & prosperity
a society that sees itself as fairing well
ALSO// a system-
policies and programs designed to help individuals, families and communities meet basic needs
Social work is the profession most closely associated with the field of:
social welfare
Social welfare in Social Work involves…
the study and implementation of strategies designed to alleviate human suffering, prevent social problems & improve the quality of life of disadvantaged groups
Canada’s social welfare system is limited to…
people who require assistance to meet basic needs
GOVERNMENT measures SOCIAL WELL-BEING to identify who needs the social welfare system & HOW their needs will be met
Measuring Social Well-Being
2007 Gov. of CAN released the Indicators of well-being in Canada
(IWC)
IWC- Indicators of well-being in Canada
a measurement framework designed to provide a national & comprehensive picture of well-being of Canada
The IWC recognizes 10 broad domains of individual & social well-being
learning / work / financial security / environment / security (safety) / health / leisure / social participation / family life / housing
Each domain of IWC uses 3 types of indicators to measure the characteristics of/or changes in the well being of Canadians : the 3 indicators are…
1) Status indicators
(human conditions or progress in major life areas such as employment)
2) Life events indicators
(track the rates of significant life-course events, ex: marriage/ divorce
3) Key influences indicators
(report on individual & community resources required for well-being, as well as peoples access to/availability of & maintenance of those resources)
5 Domains that the social welfare system is most likely to address…
Work Financial security Social participation Housing Family life
Researchers must update measuring tools of well being regularly because…
society has a changing perspective of well-being
IWC reports the well being of CAN’s has been on….
rise/decine?… since 1994-2010?
decline
CAN’s economy grew by 29%- quality of life grew by 5.7%
greatest decline between 2008-2009
ECONOMY PROSPERITY does not = /guarantee social well-being
The primary function of the social welfare system is for a society to fare well.. for a society to fare well its members must be…
physically, socially, psychologically, financially, & materially healthy
Human Need is…
a necessary requirement for human development. If not met can lead to serious physical, psychological and social harm
CAN’s welfare system aims to identify and meet
basic human needs
Identifying human needs- Maslows Hierarchy of needs P. 8
Self Actualization-#5 Self Esteem-#4 Social-#3 Safety-#2 Physiological-#1 food and water
When people meet their needs
they are more likely to contribute to society
Social Welfare Programs
are for people who fail to meet basic needs
Social Welfare Programs aim to…
- Provide basic necessities to those in need
- Help isolated/ marginalized groups in the need to belong/participate in society
- Assisting parents/ income earners having trouble fulfilling their roles
- Ensure that people can access resources and opportunities to meet needs/ support families
- Address ‘special needs’ related to substance abuse, mental disorders & other conditions that inhibit human development
- Protect vulnerable members of society (Children/Elderly) from abuse or neglect
Political leaders decide…
Which types of human needs/ issues they will treat as public and which are private
But// there are too many people and not enough funds so// Gov.s must decide how much they can spend on social welfare and what to spend it on
Public Issues
needs or conditions that the government takes responsibility for
ex- poverty, domestic violence and racism
Private Issues
Problems individuals must handle on their own…
ex- Marital disagreements
Capital
Can take many forms
But//
usually HUMAN and SOCIAL capital are relevant to social welfare
Human Capital
Skills, Capabilities, Knowledge as well as other personal assets that people use to earn a living, cope with life problems/ challenges & achieve self reliance
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM- focuses on building human capital- in its provision of job skills training, career planning workshops & other services to help people find work.
Social Capital
Social supports, networks and contacts that people rely on for emotional support, access to resources and general participation in society
Ex- programs building social capital are; ECE, parent support groups, peer counselling for seniors
Canada’s Social Welfare System is made up of…
a wide range of gov sponsored programs
many provide cash, food, shelter — to people in need
& can also include councelling, peer support, info giving or advocacy
Social welfare is an essential social program, along with;
health care, post-secondary school education, etc.
Professions that often work closely together with social workers
the Justice System
Nurses
Social welfare system has its own mandate, goals, and objectives but// can be classified into two categories
#1) Income security programs #2) Social Services
Income Security Programs
provide financial aid to replace or supplement a persons income during times of unemployment
ex) pregnancy, old age, sickness, or disability
Social Minimum
Means that all CAN’s enjoy a reasonable standard of living
4 Main types of Income security programs…
1) Targeted Cash Transfer
2) Universal Cash Transfer
3) Contributory Programs—–> forced saving programs
4) Tax Relief Measures——-> reduce amount of tax owed
Social Services are…
non- income benefits funded partly or fully by gov., designed to improve the living conditions of individuals, families and communities
social services fulfill many functions…
-provide goods and services
-support/ help ppl with problems related to daily living
- protect vulnerable members of society- children and elderly
-prevent and minimize the effects of social problems
ex- poverty, domestic violence, drug abuse