SOCW 6351: Social Policy, Welfare, and Change

Discussion 2: Micro vs. Macro Practice

The foundation of the social work profession is rooted in two levels of social assessment and reform. One is the individual, or micro, approach, which examines the needs of the individual living in poverty and explores how trained social work professionals could assist the individual in overcoming barriers to economic self-sufficiency. The other approach, which occurs simultaneously, is a macro, or larger environment, approach. This approach identifies and influences changes in the larger systems (education, economic, etc.) to improve self-sufficiency. The social work profession incorporates both approaches and trains professionals to intervene effectively at both levels of practice.

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Then, reflect on the dichotomy between micro and macro practice. Next, think about how micro practice has come to dominate the social work profession.

By 08/01/2021

Postan explanation of “the dichotomy between micro and macro” practice. Then, describe how micro practice has come to dominate the social work profession.

Responsiveness to
Directions 8.1 (27%) – 9 (30%)

Discussion posting fully addresses all instruction prompts, including responding to the required number of peer posts.

Discussion
Posting Content 8.1 (27%) – 9 (30%)

Discussion posting demonstrates an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the text(s) and Learning Resources. Posting provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other scholarly sources, and discerning ideas.

Peer Feedback
and Interaction 6.75 (22.5%) – 7.5 (25%)

The feedback postings and responses to questions are excellent and fully contribute to the quality of interaction by offering constructive critique, suggestions, in-depth questions, additional resources, and stimulating thoughts and/or probes.

Writing 4.05 (13.5%) – 4.5 (15%)

Postings are well organized, use scholarly tone, contain original writing and proper paraphrasing, follow APA style, contain very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and are fully consistent with graduate level writing style.

Required Readings

Popple, P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2019). The policy-based profession: An introduction to social welfare policy analysis for social workers. (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

• Chapter      1, “The Policy-Based Profession” (pp. 3-18)

LINK TO EVERYTHING  EXPECT THE BOOK CHAPTER 1 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bLoMbrj033pMNEXZcp9WXcWshc76hvcF?usp=sharing

LINK ABOVE 

Steen, J. A. (2012). Critical thought within the social welfare policy course. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 32(1), 14–28.

LINK ABOVE

MSW Field Experience – Field Placement 

Program Transcript