Question: Explain the domain of social welfare policy, in reference to the political, economic,
and societal implications of social welfare. Describe the impact of the political environment
on policymaking.
Discussion Forum, Opinion for these 300 words. Not always need references. This does not
need introduction or conclusion. This answer is the opinion about this post.
Answer:
1.Social welfare policy is an important topic for Social Workers to understand as it impacts the
micro, mezzo, and macro systems that social workers may work with (Jansson, 2019). One
part of the domain of social welfare policy is policy practice (Jansson, 2019). Policy practice is
a role that takes care of assessment, proposal, and implementation of policies in different
areas (Jansson, 2019). Social welfare policy falls into one of the seven domains that our
textbook covers (Jansson, 2019). These domains include healthcare, mental health, children
and families, immigration, education, criminal justice, and the aging population (Jansson,
2019).
Social welfare policy has many societal implications. Policies dictate how much food
assistance programs give to each person, demand civil rights for people, and provide aid for
vocational schools and mental health services (Jansson, 2019). At a higher level, these policies
create the outline for how our society’s economy is shaped overall. One way this occurs is in
outlining the income gap between higher and lower SES people and communities (Jansson,
2019). Policies have the power to increase or decrease this economic gap. One way this may
be managed is through not allowing many tax breaks for those who are already at an affluent
position (Jansson, 2019).
Social welfare policy is also affected by politics at multiple levels. One example of this is in the
attempt of President Trump to take away the Affordable Care Act and to reduce Medicare
(Jansson, 2019). This example shows how some presidents may seek to increase social
welfare programs like the Affordable Care Act by President Obama, and some may seek to
remove them or not pass them (such as President Trump) (Jansson, 2019). In addition, policy
is heavily impacted by the officials we elect in local and state governments as well (Jansson,
2019). As such, it is important for us social workers to advocate for policies by helping elect an
official who will do so or taking part in other ways (Jansson, 2019). The impact of the political
environment on policymaking is impossible to ignore as it affects each level of social work at
the micro, mezzo, and macro level (Jansson, 2019).
2. The term social welfare policy means that it pertains to anything that the government chooses to do
or does not choose to do (Flynn, 2021). This term also affects people’s quality of life, and it consists of a
nation’s system of different programs, benefits, and services that help people with social, economic, and
health needs that are important as well as fundamental to our society. There are also non-profit
organizations that are geared towards alleviating distress and poverty. In essence, social welfare, “Is the
relationship and responsibilities of governments to their members” (Flynn, 2021).
However, in reference to the political, economic, and social implications is that they all are important in
keeping all human beings safe as well as assisting them with any barriers they may need to sustain
society. When speaking in term of political implications in social welfare, “It was created, in part, to
respond to pressing social needs such as poverty, social exclusion, unemployment, aging, children,
mental illness, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities” (Flynn, 2021). According to Spicker, 2006
some of these examples were designed in the “United States during the twentieth century included
social security, welfare, public housing, hunger and nutrition programs, childcare and child support,
health care for people on low incomes, public education, and the social and health services of the
Veterans’ Administration” (Flynn, 2021). Moreover, economic implications in social welfare, included
“The development model or argument for society for social policy, which seeks to ameliorate risk caused
by loss of income, was the impetus for a “war on poverty” approach to policy” (Flynn, 2021).
Furthermore, societal implications included, is people that are living in poverty, any related drug activity,
and even gun violence.
In conclusion, I feel that as a social worker we will be faced with some of these implications with our
clients. We will have to have to know our laws as well as proper resources and research to assist our
clients to live in society. We will have to overall, be an advocate in an environment that is forever
changing rules and regulations by learning new things and keeping up with continuing education units
(CEUs) as a social worker (Recognizing New Opportunities, 2013).
Questions:
Why is it important to study social welfare policy? Describe the components of a policy
analysis framework and explain how this framework can be used to study social welfare
policy.
Answer:
3. It is important to study social welfare policy because as a social worker client often need
further referrals to social welfare services. Social welfare policies are also important to be
able to advocate for the populations we will serve in our community. As a social worker we
will, “Work with all people from all social classes, racial and ethnic groups” (Pritchard, 2023).
Therefore, it is significant to give an objective evaluation of how effectively resources and
opportunities to have for people for all walks of life and to find continued ways to improve to
reduce any issues one maybe impacted by which can be being in poverty or having any
health-related issues that can affect their well-being.
However, the components of a policy analysis framework, “Is the process of evaluating the
effectiveness of initiatives designed by politicians and government organizations to benefit
the public” (Pritchard, 2023). Some of these components include the prescriptive policy
analysis which determines social or political issues to put together proposals geared at
addressing them (Pritchard, 2023). An example is if there is a huge amount of homelessness
in a certain neighborhood and how to gather information to be able to come up with plans to
house ones who are homeless (Prichard, 2023). Descriptive policy analysis, “Is an objective
explanation of how a given policy functions” (Pritchard, 2023). This policy is geared to what
focuses on the nature and terms of how a problem is being a target and to come up with a
policy.
Furthermore, other components consist of historical analysis which looks at earlier policies
and the development of these policies over time and social analysis includes how a problem
is described, which is social values that relates to a problem as well as goals of a particular
policy. Economic analysis in fact addresses the economy and how it functions regarding
behaviors of people in government and individuals. Political analysis is the major focus on
stakeholders and the decisions on processes when implementing a decision and policy is the
outcomes that are unintended consequences, and questions regarding cost effectiveness.
In conclusion, this can be utilized in the study of social welfare, helping set goals with clients
we serve and gathering research to implement these policies. It is also imperative to
understand these policies so that we know how to address them appropriately and effectively
when advocacy for our clients. As a social work student, it is critical to know the Code of
Ethics as well as laws and regulations to provide/protect our clients.