History of Social Group Work Reaction Board by Myranda Warden

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2022-01-19 14:47:46 UTC

What: While antithetical to social work values, I always find it interesting when we come across sources that boldly proclaim that professional populations (yes, even social work) must—to some degree—align themselves with the views of the dominant social power to achieve status and validity as a profession. Everything in this article was something I had suspected for some time, due to experience in the field, but had not taken the time to research; it was new, but not new.

So What: Understanding our roots and what we have sacrificed to achieve the status/privilege we all enjoy today is important. Other aspiring professional fields (counseling and the young neuroscience field) can also learn from these experiences when seeking increased professional status.

Now What: I believe many of the aspects discussed within the article can still be considered lost on many levels. At the end of the day (unfortunate or not) things tend to circle back to money. Without insurance, many of the most vulnerable populations cannot attain much-needed services; without clearly and clinically documented assessments, diagnoses and treatment plans, insurance companies will not pay for services; without payment for services, organizations find it increasingly difficult to operate effectively. So, what social work “loses” in some areas, they gain in compensation and validity.

2022-01-19 19:43:48 UTC

What: it was interesting to learn that group work started in small communities helping each other in an informal way before becoming more formalized in format and setting (Andrews, 2001). I found it interesting that some people studied gangs and even considered them as a group. The aspects that were not knew was the fact that the settlement movement revolved around research, reform and residence which are underpinnings of group work.

So what: Having group work inside of and outside of the field of social work is important because life experiences have taught us that everyone has something to offer. Even the popular adage points this out poignantly- “two heads are better than one”. The wider community has be known to come together as groups to help improve their neighborhoods as we see clearly here in Fort Wayne.

Now what: This statement by Middleman "Instead of a focus on 'the group' and its potential and interests, the focus gradually shifted to the individuals in the group” (Andrews, 2001) is apt today because I see that the American society and culture holds on to the discourse of individualism and competition instead of working together as I have seen in my culture and in other cultures. I believe that we would not be able to use our individual knowledge and integration of ideas to help one another if this continues and this would result in our society and communities falling behind.

Abigail.

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eem11 — 2023-01-16 18:20:59 UTC

Now What: Looking at the losses mentioned in the Andrews article, the point made about "the flight from activities in favor of talk" really stuck with me. Andrews (2001) talked about how group workers lessened their use of activities and special interests and became more "like case workers, helpers who talked" (Andrews, 2001). In my own experience with groups this is definitely a dynamic that I still see to this day. In groups that I have been involved in or even lead I feel that there is the tendency to focus on one group member at a time and then move onto the next member, making the group feel like mini case work sessions within the group and become very individualized. This perspective really neglects the healing nature of group work and focuses more on assigning the leader as the expert and the person in power rather than finding and sourcing power from every member of the group.

In Andrews article (2001 )Recognizing our cultures tendency of shifting to a problem oriented philosophy and how that shift takes away from building and strengthening a individuals resiliency and building a foundation within a community with a proactive approach through recreation and education pieces.

2024-01-17 15:36:38 UTC

Jenna

It would be interesting if this past did not exist and the focus would of remained on recreation and education for social group work and if that could lower the problems that are currently present.

2024-01-17 15:37:56 UTC

Jenna