Social group work is a method of social work
Introduction
The concept of group work practice was largely influenced by the work of Tracker
(1958) and Wilson Rayland (1949), Coyel (1954) As the theorist says it is the process through which individuals are helped to acquire experience of relating
to others. As G .Konopka says, Group work is a method of social work which helps
individuals to enhance their social functioning through purposeful group
experience and to cope more effectively with personal, group and community
problem. The social functioning competencies is depended on a extends on the
experience of the person in their interaction with other people. The practice
of group work has not only been limited to solving an individual’s problem alone,
the use of group work simultaneously has become popular in community work practice
as well. Community workers are forming various kinds of groups for meeting community
needs or delivery service in the community.
A method is defined and understood as the conscious procedures or design of achieving
a goal. A method is a process or way of doing something with an arrangement
of knowledge, understanding, and principles lets discuss the following
points to understand the group work as a method of social work.
Group work is multidimensional activity of social work
Group
work is multidimensional activities which can be used in any social work
setting be it medical or school of social work to help every individual who
are suffering from various problems. It is a method of social work which uses
its generic principles and techniques to solve an individual’s problem through
the adequate use of group activities and making use of the various program.
The group work aims at fulfilling the general objectives of the social work helping an individual to solve his or her adjustment related problem along with helping them to
meet and fulfill their humanitarian needs. Group work can be used to work with
the children and youth, group work with the women and elderly are some of the examples.
It is based on the humanitarian philosophy and democratic principles of social work
The foundation of the group work has been strongly based on humanitarian and
democratic principles. However, these stated principles, democratic thoughts, and
ideas are the core essence of social work. The group work values the same as the generic values of social work. The
principles of worker group relationships are the principles of group work, a
purposeful group relationship is absolutely required to initiate the group
process. The process can’t take place in the group without establishing purposeful relationships among the members and with the group workers. It is
also about and encourages democratic
self-determination which reflects the ideas of allowing the group to make its own
decision and determining own activities.
Knowledgebase of social work influence social group work.
Group work is often
understood as the teamwork or activities carried out by the team members.
It has come into full being by developing theories, approaches, models,
principles, skills, tools, and techniques which are almost influenced by the different domain of studies. The completeness of the group work is propounded and
deeply rooted in the core theories of social work in the profession. The
knowledge base guides the group worker to form effectively the group and design
the program keeping in view of the principles while preparing for the program
planning
The intervention of social work through the use of the social group.
The prime objective of social work is to solve the individual problem and helping people to
help themselves to overcome theme their problems. Group work is the medium in
which an individual’s problem is solved through a collective approach to
social work. The group is effectively used in social work practice to support individuals in their
personal growth, rehabilitation, and changes and bring out changes and to
prevent social problems. Groups can be used in influencing individuals and
society. The use of group intervention according to Hartford are mentioned
below.
- Intervention for bringing changes in the social situation including community or society through pressures, dissemination of information etc.
- Focus in given on the task orientation, socialization motivation, attitudes formation, and charges as well as achieving a sense of belongingness
Conclusion
Hartford
therefore concluded that group work is focusing influencing individuals to
accomplishing greater social changes. This is what the soul goal of social work
which can be accomplished by making use of the social group work.From the above
points and discussion, we get to know that social group is a method of social
work.
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