NAME OF STUDENT: NANCY JUAN WAIGO.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: M23/ASC/BSW/019.

ACCESS NUMBER: AR4757.

DEPARTMENT: SOCIAL SCIENCE.

PROGRAMOF STUDY: BSWASA.

COURSE UNIT: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL

SCIENCE.

YEAR: ONE.

SEMESTER: TWO.

NAME OF LECURER: MR. OMAAL JOHN DRABILE.

QUESTION:

Political science as a discipline in social sciences owes no much relevance to Social Work
practice and should be scrapped off from course units to be taught in the study of Social Work
and Social Administration Discuss. (25 Marks)
Political Science; It is that branch of knowledge that deals with the state and systems of
governance thus it is the scientific analysis of political activity, political thought and behavior.
Therefore, it is the systematic study of politics, government, and the behavior of individuals and
groups within a political system. It seeks to understand and analyze the principles, processes,
structures, and dynamics of political systems, both at the domestic and international levels.

We can also say, political science is the attempt to study politics and government in a systematic
way in order to learn how power works. Political scientists study systems of government and
democracies, as well as how government relate to one another and how political systems change
over time.

In a nutshell, we can say political science is about the systematic study of politics and
government. It analyses behavior and who gets what when and where and examines power
relation.

Social Work practice refers to the profession application of social work knowledge, skills, and
values to help individuals, families, groups and communities address a wide range of social and
psychological challenges. Thus social workers are trained professionals who work in various
settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, social service agencies, and communities, to
provide support, advocacy, and intervention to improve the well-being of their clients.

Political science is relevant to social work practice in several ways, as it provides knowledge that
can enhance the effectiveness of social workers in helping individuals and communities.

Understanding policy and legislation: social workers need to be well versed in the political
systems and processes that lead to the creation of social policies and legislation. Political science
helps social workers understand how laws and policies are formulated, implemented. And
amended. It’s crucial when advocating for changes in policies to better serve vulnerable
population.

Advocacy and Lobbying: Social workers frequently engage in advocacy and lobbying efforts to
promote social justice and policy changes that benefit vulnerable populations. Knowledge of
political science is crucial in navigating the political landscape, building coalitions, and
effectively advocating for their clients' rights and interests.
Understanding Power Structures: Political science provides insights into the power structures
within society, including the government, institutions, and interest groups. Social workers need
this knowledge to navigate and address the complex web of power dynamics that can affect the
lives of their clients.

Social Policy Development: Social workers can play a vital role in shaping social policies. They
can provide valuable input based on their practical experience and understanding of the social
issues they encounter. Knowledge of political science enables them to participate effectively in
the policy development process.

Social Justice and Human Rights: Political science helps social workers grasp the principles of
social justice and human rights, which are foundational to social work practice. It provides a
theoretical framework for understanding the broader societal context in which they work.

Advocating for Marginalized Groups: Social workers often serve marginalized and
underrepresented groups in society. Political science equips them with the tools to understand
and address the structural inequalities, discrimination, and systemic issues that affect these
populations.

Ethical Practice: Social workers must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which often includes
political awareness and advocacy for social justice. A solid understanding of political science
helps social workers make ethical decisions that prioritize the well-being of their clients and
promote social change.

International and Global Social Work: In the context of global social work, political science is
crucial for understanding international relations, foreign policies, and global issues. Social
workers involved in international humanitarian work or refugee services benefit from this
knowledge.

In summary, political science is relevant to social work practice because it equips social workers
with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for their clients, analyze policies, and address
the broader societal and political factors that influence the well-being of individuals and
communities. It helps social workers become effective agents of social change and advocates for
social justice.