StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins, and Impact - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
This essay "Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins, and Impact" aims at explaining a specific dimension of critical social work theory focusing on a specific topic. Specifically, the essay will look at the origin of the critical social work theory dimension, its origins as well as impact…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.9% of users find it useful

Extract of sample "Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins, and Impact"

Regional & Rural Services, with focus on Suicide. Name Institution Date Introduction Critical social work is concerned with the work of ensuring social justice, equality as well as ideas that influence the lives of families, individual persons, communities and the wider society nationally and internationally (Healy, 2000). The various dimensions of critical social work theory explain how social work practices are essential in the different aspects. This essay aims at explaining a specific dimension of critical social work theory focusing in a specific topic. Specifically, the essay will look at the origin of the critical social work theory dimension, its origins as well as the impact. The dimension will then be explored from the perspective of the topic area. The selected critical social work dimension discussed in this essay is the regional and rural services with special focus to suicide. Regional and rural services are a critical social work theory dimension that focuses on working with the regional as well as rural communities. In the regional and rural services dimension, social workers are usually more concerned in dealing with the behavioral effects on families, individuals as well as groups (Daley, 2010). It uses an approach of regional and rural population to social work. This suggests that social work in rural and regional population requires different interventions and areas of interest. Historically, regional and rural services dimension of social work began in the 1970’s with the introduction of social work in the rural populations. It is considered as a very different dimension of social work since it focuses on dealing with rural populations (Ginsberg, 2005). It is different based on the services that rural populations require as well as the smaller number of people they deal with. The rural and regional services dimension of social work usually has a positive impact on the populations. Fook (2003) argue that rural social work helps in providing services that are urgently needed by the rural people in various areas including; job as well as economic problems, problems of alcohol and drug problems among adults and the youth, marriage as well as family problems, personal stress, depression as well as anxiety (Fook, 2002). Regional and Rural services and Suicide One major topic that is dealt with by the regional and rural services dimension of social work theory is suicide. In rural Australia, suicide is seen to be more prevalent in rural areas. The suicide rates are high compared to urban areas (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007). The regional and rural social services can play a huge role in reducing the high suicide rates. There are various factors contributing to the high rates of suicide in rural Australia including; economic and financial hardship, social isolation, easier accessibility of means that contribute to immediate death, less in seeking help, reduced access to support services, and combination of suicide risk factors. Hardships in economic and financial capacity like extreme climate changes affect negatively the rural communities in Australia. This status exposes the populations to depression and hopelessness which are suicide risk factors. In rural Australia, it is easy for people to access firearms among other methods of committing suicide which are readily available. Additionally, suicide locations are more available in rural areas where people can easily commit suicide. Additionally, rural people in Australia are more isolated socially. Many of them are found not getting face to face contacts with their families, friends as well as other networks of support. This leads to loneliness as well as depression hence amounting to suicidal behavior. Regional and rural Australians are found to be less help seeking because they are more resilient as well as resourceful. They tend to have a very strong feeling of self-sufficiency. This contributes to them not seeking help from friends, family as well as the community during difficult times. Evidence shows that rural Australians have a reduced access to support services. They are not able to access various community support services like mental health services. Again, support services that may be applicable to urban areas are most like not appropriate for the rural people in Australia. They also don’t have access to technology like the use internet and others telephones. This condition leaves the rural people rely on traditional ways of support as well as care which may be difficult to use in some cases. Rural people also face a combination of suicide risk factors and this increases their risk to having suicidal behavior. For example, rural populations in Australia are faced with a wide range of environmental, social and psychological factors that put them at the risk of committing suicide. Durkheim’s Theory of Suicide The topic of suicide in regional and rural services can be explained in relation to the theory of suicide by Durkheim. In his theory of suicide, Durkheim based his methodological study on social facts within the society context. He argued that suicide does occur in the society and that it can be proved scientifically. Durkheim describes different social causes of suicide and the different types of suicide. The main argument in his theory of suicide was that suicide cannot be termed as an individual act. It is a social act that is usually tied to different social structures. Durkheim made a definition of suicide as a social fact since the driving causes are social in nature. In his research, Durkheim established that suicide rates may vary among individual societies. However, they remain stable for a long time. In his theory of suicide, Durkheim theorized four of suicide that are committed in all societies including; egoistic suicide, altruistic suicide, fatalistic and anomic suicide (Bass, 2011). This theory is relevant in regional and rural social work services based on the topic of suicide. As argued earlier on the major factors that contributes to high suicide rates in Australian rural populations, it is clear that these factors are related to the social causes of suicide as describe by Durkheim’s in his theory of suicide. It is clear that the causes of suicide are not individual but influenced by social structures that surround a person. Key Findings Suicide is a major concern for social workers in rural Australia. The reason is that suicide among the rural population in Australia is considered a huge problem which is increasing the burden of death (Hirsch, 2006). As per the current statistics, the groups with the highest vulnerability are men, farmers, youth as well as Indigenous people. The Queensland Suicide register in 2007 revealed that the population of male suicide in rural areas of Australia was 36.32% for every 100,000 men when compared to 18.25% in urban areas. Regional rates of suicide are also high in Australia (Kolves et al., 2009). Rural populations in Australia were found needing support services. This means that social workers in regional and rural service have a responsibility to understand the cultural and social influences of suicide among rural populations, giving them the required health services as well as encouraging them to seek help during difficult moments. The major causes of suicide that were identified as leading to suicide among rural populations were stress, relationship breakdown, and the greater risk of indigenous people to suicide in rural areas (National Rural Health Alliance, 2009). Alcohol use disorder among rural Australians, relationship conflict, income as well as work problems are among the many causes of suicide among the rural population. Poor health services in the rural areas and stigma that is related to seeking help were other causes of rural suicides (Kolves, Milner, McKathy, & De Leo, 2012). Impact of suicide Suicide among rural Australians has had impact on the nation, communities, families as well as individuals. The nation loses useful workers who can contribute to national building. Families grieve for losing breadwinners and members of the family (Cerel et al., 2008). Essential and reliable members of the society are lost through suicide. Individuals who survive after attempting to commit suicide have social and mental issues to recover from the experience. Strategies to reduce suicide rates In addressing suicide among the rural populations in Australia, regional and rural services social workers have a task of dealing with the social determinants that precipitate to the factors causing suicide among the populations. According to Suicide Prevention Australia (2010), any strategies that are adopted by social workers in rural areas to address the increased rates of suicide must address the major causes. This would reduce social stigmatization, trauma, anxiety, depression and development of suicidal behavior among rural populations in Australia. Social workers in regional and rural services should work towards improve rural mental health and provide literacy in suicide prevention, resources, training, support as well as services. Developing programs like the ‘men’s shed’ can help rural men go for assistance when in stressful situations. This can enable them deal with the suicidal situation they are facing (Australian Men’s Shed Association, 2011). Such kind of programs is essential to provide education to rural people on how to minimize suicide. Through these programs, social workers in regional and rural services are able to create networks within the communities whereby people can meet, socialize and discuss issues. Social workers can work together with local community leaders in rural areas so as to make contacts with the people regularly. This is essential for continuous building of awareness as well as support for prevention of suicide activities and initiatives. Conclusion The regional and rural services dimension of critical social work theory have been proven to be an essential domain in helping the reduction of suicide in Australian rural population. Being a major contributor of many deaths on the Australian rural populations, suicide had major negative impacts to the nation, community, families and individuals. Dealing with the causes of suicide is the best strategy that social workers in rural areas can use to help reduce suicide rates among the rural people. Other interventions have been identified to help reduce suicide among the rural population in Australia. References Australian Men’s Shed Association. (2011). Suicide: What do I say? What do I do? Retrieved from http://www.mensshed.org/suicide/.aspx Baas, M. (2011). Durkheims’ Four Types of Suicide. Word Press. Retrieved from https://chilenabravo.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/durkheims-four-types-of-suicide/ Cerel, J., Jordan, J., & Duberstein, P. (2008). The Impact of Suicide on the Family.  American Psychological Association. Commonwealth of Australia. (2007). Suicide in rural and remote communities. Fact Sheet 18. Living is for Everyone. Department of Health and Ageing. Daley, M. (2010). A Conceptual Model for Rural Social Work. Contemporary Rural Social Work, Vol. 2:1-7. Fook, J. (2003). Critical Social Work: The Current Issues. Qualitative Social Work, 2(2): 123-130. Fook, J. (2002). Social Work: Critical Theory and Practice. London: Sage Publications. Healy, K. (2000). Social Work Practices: Contemporary Perspectives on Change. London: Sage. Hirsch, J. (2006). A review of the literature on rural suicide: Risk and protective factors, incidence, and prevention. Crisis, 27, 189-199. Kõlves, K., Milner, A., De Leo, D. (2009). Suicide risk in different subpopulations in Australia (Queensland). A Report to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Brisbane, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention Kolves, K., Milner, A., McKathy, K., & De Leo, D. (2012). Suicide in Rural and Remote Areas of Australia. Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/471985/Suicide-in-Rural-and-Remote-Areas-of-Australia.pdf National Rural Health Alliance. (2009). Suicide in rural Australia. Fact Sheet 14. Retrieved from http://ruralhealth.org.au/sites/default/files/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-14-suicide%20in%20rural%20australia_0.pdf Suicide Prevention Australia. (2010). Responding to Suicide in Rural Australia. Statement. Retrieved from http://suicidepreventionaust.org/statement/responding-to-suicide-in-rural-australia/ Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins and Impact, Regional and Rur Essay, n.d.)
Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins and Impact, Regional and Rur Essay. https://studentshare.org/sociology/2065960-critical-social-work-theory-individual-discussion-paper-summary-of-key-findings-for-oral
(Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins and Impact, Regional and Rur Essay)
Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins and Impact, Regional and Rur Essay. https://studentshare.org/sociology/2065960-critical-social-work-theory-individual-discussion-paper-summary-of-key-findings-for-oral.
“Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins and Impact, Regional and Rur Essay”. https://studentshare.org/sociology/2065960-critical-social-work-theory-individual-discussion-paper-summary-of-key-findings-for-oral.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Social Work Theory Dimension, Its Origins, and Impact

Formulation of Accounting Framework and Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards

The wider impact of adoption of internationally recognized financial reporting framework is that users of financial statements are more confident and certain about efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the financial reporting process (Ahmed, 2011).... On the other hand, implementing locally developed accounting standards can have its own distinct benefits for developing countries.... However, the fact that whether the framework provided by IFRS is in line with the prevailing accounting and financial reporting systems of the countries and whether there are cushions available in the legal frameworks for adopting IFRS have lead to significant confusions regarding its implementation (Nobes & Parker, 2004)....
16 Pages (4000 words) Essay

Advanced Corporate Reporting

Companies are under tremendous pressure from public at large to be socially responsible as their actions leave a significant impact on the environment and the society as well.... While there are no set standards available as of now to report issues related to these… Companies are under tremendous pressure from public at large to be socially responsible as their actions leave a significant impact on the environment and the society as well.... According to the Committee for Economic Development (1971), it is important for an organization to take care of the demands of its stakeholders which consists of its employees, customers and other sundry shareholders....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Nursing Homes and Hospitals in Patient Life

Their relocation to other facilities greatly impact their perceptions and thoughts towards nursing home facilities (Loiselle, McGrath, Polit, & Beck, 2010).... The research question and adopted method is well balanced, as the study aims to explore the impact of nursing home relocation on residents and families.... For instance, Yeboah (2009) study clearly shows that grounded theory was used to derive out another relevant theory in order, to study the relationship between relocation to nursing homes and its impact on the residents....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Social Classes and Their Impact on People's Sense of Self

The paper "Social Classes and Their impact on People's Sense of Self" states that parental attitudes and behaviors -acceptance of their children, clear and well-enforced demands, and respect for actions within well-defined limits -- were the primary antecedents of children's sense of self-worth.... social class refers to the ranking of people into a hierarchy within a culture.... The idea of the social class entered the English lexicon about the 1770s, with no specific originator....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Stigmatization of Mental Illnesses

The dimension of origin refers to what brings about differences in attitudes toward mental illness and peril refers to the level of the differences which could conceivably induce “feelings of threat or danger in others” (Brohan et al 2010).... The paper "Stigmatization of Mental Illnesses" demonstrates that perceptions of mentally ill individuals are such that there is a prevailing degree of stigma attached to the mentally ill and those with whom they are related or those from who they look to for medical or social support....
7 Pages (1750 words) Coursework

Why Do Companies Struggle for Voluntary Reporting on Their Non-Financial Performance

According to the Committee for Economic Development (1971), it is important for an organization to take care of the demands of its stakeholders which consists of its employees, customers, and other sundry shareholders.... According to Stakeholder theory, any group which is part of the organization can influence its decision.... The triple bottom line approach theory to sustainability stipulates that profit is not the only parameter, based on which performance of a company need to be evaluated and judged....
7 Pages (1750 words) Term Paper

Bad Planning Theory

This work called "Bad Planning theory" focuses on the problem of bad planning in parts of Abu Dhabi.... They did not pay attention to social matters because their theory of planning obstructed them from considering social issues.... The failure to take into consideration the social issues into planning was criticized by Young and Willmott (Taylor and Taylor, 1998).... n the criticism of physical determinism, the social issues were not ignored and the major concern was to plan for the community life according to neighborhoods....
7 Pages (1750 words) Coursework
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us