Describe three global perspectives in social work that you find to be the most important ones.

Motive your answers - why did you choose those ones?

A// There are several global perspectives in social work that are considered to be important,
but I will highlight three that are particularly significant:

The ecological perspective: This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals

and systems, and how social issues are influenced by the interaction of different levels of the
environment. This perspective is important because it helps social workers understand the
complex and dynamic nature of social problems, and how they are shaped by factors such as
poverty, inequality, and discrimination. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing these
issues at multiple levels, including the individual, family, community, and societal levels.

The human rights perspective: This perspective emphasizes the importance of protecting and
promoting the rights of individuals and groups, and is based on the principles of social justice
and equality. It is important because it helps social workers understand the ways in which social
problems are rooted in systems of oppression and discrimination, and how these systems can
be challenged and transformed. It also helps social workers understand the importance of
working with marginalized and oppressed populations to promote their rights and empower
them to advocate for themselves.

The strengths perspective: This perspective emphasizes the importance of identifying and
building on the strengths of individuals, families, and communities, rather than focusing solely
on their deficits or problems. This perspective is important because it helps social workers
understand the resilience and capacity of individuals and communities to overcome challenges
and improve their lives. It also helps social workers understand the importance of empowering
and supporting individuals and communities to take control of their own lives and to make
positive changes in their environments.

Overall, these three global perspectives are important in social work because they provide a
holistic understanding of social problems and inform the ways in which social workers can
intervene to promote social change and social justice.
Select one of the perspectives from above and describe how you would apply it to
understand extreme poverty and inequalities at the global level. Motivate - why would you
apply in that way?
A// The human rights perspective in social work is centered on the idea that all individuals have
inherent and inalienable rights, including the right to an adequate standard of living. When
applied to understanding extreme poverty and inequalities at the global level, this perspective
would involve analyzing the ways in which systemic power imbalances and structural
inequalities perpetuate poverty and violate the rights of marginalized individuals and
communities.

To apply this perspective, a social worker would first conduct a comprehensive assessment of
the global context in which extreme poverty and inequalities exist. This would include analyzing
the political, economic, and social systems and structures that shape access to resources and
opportunities. The social worker would also collect data on the lived experiences of individuals
and communities affected by poverty, including their access to basic needs such as food,
housing, healthcare, and education.

The social worker would then use this information to identify specific human rights violations
resulting from extreme poverty and inequalities. For example, lack of access to clean water and
sanitation may violate the right to health, while forced evictions from informal settlements may
violate the right to adequate housing.

From there, the social worker would use their understanding of the global context and human
rights violations to develop interventions and advocacy strategies that address the root causes
of extreme poverty and inequalities. This may include lobbying for policy changes at the
national and international level, as well as supporting grassroots organizations and community-
led initiatives that empower marginalized individuals and communities to assert their rights.

Motivating why I would apply in this way, the Human Rights Perspective in Social Work is an
holistic approach that not only addresses the immediate needs of individuals and communities
affected by poverty but also addresses the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and
inequality. This approach empowers marginalized individuals and communities to assert their
rights and promotes social change and justice.
Imagine that you are about to work, for at least a year, to help extreme reduce poverty in a
society, which two ethical principles would you find most useful to apply. Motive your
answers - why did you choose those two ethical principles?
A// If I were to work to help reduce extreme poverty in a society, I would find the ethical
principles of beneficence and justice to be most useful to apply.

The principle of beneficence refers to the duty to do good and promote well-being, and is
particularly relevant when working to reduce poverty as it requires that interventions prioritize
the needs and well-being of those who are marginalized and suffering. By applying this
principle, I would ensure that the interventions I design and implement are directed towards
improving the lives of people living in poverty in a meaningful and sustainable way.

The principle of justice is also crucial when working to reduce poverty as it requires that
resources and opportunities are distributed fairly and equitably. This principle is particularly
important when working with marginalized communities, as poverty is often the result of
systemic power imbalances and structural inequalities. By applying this principle, I would
ensure that the interventions I design and implement are addressing the root causes of poverty,
rather than just treating the symptoms.

I chose these two ethical principles because they both focus on the well-being of individuals
and communities affected by poverty. The principle of beneficence focuses on the well-being of
individuals, while the principle of justice focuses on the fair distribution of resources and
opportunities, which are both crucial for reducing poverty in a sustainable way. They also work
together, by improving the well-being of individuals and communities, we also improve their
access to resources and opportunities, and by improving the distribution of resources and
opportunities we also improve their well-being.