Misconceptions Of Social Work

Sumel Yumnam *

It is presume by the general public that anyone who does any kind of services to the masses is a social worker. And any kind of help done for the poor and needy; any work which benefit a particular population is social work.

People assume that a politician bringing some welfare measures to the people at the time of election, a philanthropist helping the needy, a well educated person leading a group of people to support a population affected by some natural or man-made calamities, a rich man giving alms to beggars are all social workers.

But truly speaking, it is not social work because these services are not based on scientific knowledge and values of social work. Everybody who helps the needy and destitute need not be a social worker. Social worker uses methods and techniques to help people. In order to be a social worker, one need to undergo a professional course and earn a degree from a recognize university. It is a profession.

Definition of Social Work

The given definition by Friedlander(1955) clearly defines social work.

According to him, Social work is a professional service, based on scientific knowledge and skill in human relations, which assists individuals, alone or in groups, to obtain social and personal satisfaction and independence.

Analysis of the definition

Friedlander has given a very comprehensive definition of social work. Social work is a profession like other professions i.e. medicine, law, management, through which social worker, trained in dealing with human relations and having scientific outlook helps individuals for the purpose of obtaining satisfaction – personal as well as social.

Differences of Social Work with other disciplines