In this subject you will examine the notion that " social work is a political activity" through the exploration of political contexts in which social work practice takes place and the role of the profession in contributing to political and social change. You will explore Australia's system of government and … For more content click the Read more button below.
In this subject you will examine the notion that " social work is a political activity" through the exploration of political contexts in which social work practice takes place and the role of the profession in contributing to political and social change. You will explore Australia's system of government and consider the influence of legislation and public policy on contemporary Australian society, which provides important foundational knowledge for future subjects. The social welfare system will be examined as a key example of the political context, with implications for human service organisations, social workers, service users and the wider community. You will compare Australia's social welfare system with those operating in other countries and consider the influence of political ideologies on these differences and on broader trends in welfare policies. You will apply learning from the subject to a contemporary political issue and consider this issue from the perspective of social work values including a commitment to progressive social change, human rights and social justice.
Capstones provide students with a way of integrating and applying knowledge and skills gained throughout their course.
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Subject instances
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Learning resources
Recommended - Book - Australia's welfare wars: the players, the politics and the ideologies
Title:Australia's welfare wars: the players, the politics and the ideologies
Resource requirement:Recommended
Author/editor:Mendes, P.
Year:2017
Publisher:Sydney: UNSW Press
Recommended - Book - Engaging with social work: A critical introduction
Title:Engaging with social work: A critical introduction
Resource requirement:Recommended
Author/editor:Morley, C., Ablett, P., Macfarlane, S.
Year:2019
Edition/volume:2nd ed
Publisher:Port Melbourne: Cambridge
Career ready
Work based learning (placement):No
Subject intended learning outcomes
On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Discuss information, ideas and concepts relating to the political, structural and environmental context of social work practice
2.
Identify key features and functions of Australia's system of government.
3.
Explain key differences between political ideologies and relational worldviews.
4.
Describe and compare Australia's system of social welfare and social policy to those in other countries.
5.
Describe social work values and social justice perspectives to inform discussion of contemporary political issues and how these connect to social change.
6.
Demonstrate research, oral and written communication and teamwork skills required for first year social work study.