1.1 Perception(s) of social work
The first step in your studies is to understand what is meant by ‘social work’ and ‘social worker’. You may already have an idea of what these terms mean, but are your ideas shaped by preconceptions, perhaps misconceptions?
In Activity 1 you will explore your own and others’ preconceptions about social work. This activity will help you to identify some of the attitudes you and others may have towards social workers and their role in society.
Activity 1 Exploring attitudes to social work
Write up to five words or phrases, or draw images that come to mind when you hear the term ‘social worker’. Try to put down words or phrases that you associate with social workers; or you could ask a friend or family member for their response.
A social worker ...
Now separate your responses into positive and negative attributes. Ask yourself what may have influenced your observations and note this down in the last column.
| Positive | Negative | Influence |
|---|---|---|
Finally, what impact do you think each perception might have on social work practice?
Comment
A person’s view of social workers may be affected by their own experiences of working with social workers or of having come into contact with a social worker as a service user or carer.
Your own perceptions may be influenced by stories in the media or the experiences of friends and family when they have come into contact with the social work profession. It is important to ask yourself whether any of these experiences or opinions can be seen as objective, and what impact this lack of objectivity may have? For example, would negative stories in the press lead people to want to avoid asking a social worker for help?
If people have a negative image of social workers, this may lead to difficulties in establishing a relationship between the social worker and the service user or carer, who may be reluctant to involve social workers in their lives. Reflecting on these points should also promote an understanding of the source of these negative perceptions and help a social worker to reflect on whether a service user is being uncooperative, frightened or a little of both.
It may be less obvious, but positive perceptions of social work can also undermine good practice. An unquestioned belief in a helpful and caring profession can lead to the raising of unrealistic expectations, possible over-intrusion into people’s lives and, potentially, an abuse of professional power.