In this course we review various macro roles and theories related to human behavior in the social environment. For this assignment, students will consider a population-at-risk and a problem local to his/her community. The assignment will be submitted in two parts, a 2-3 page Introduction and a 6-8 page critical analysis. Additionally, students are required to prepare a digital Padlet presentation summarizing the population, community problem, theoretical perspective, and innovation for your classsmates.
Part Two – Paper: Students will submit a 6-8 page paper that demonstrates critical analysis of the community problem and the impact upon the population-at-risk identified in the introduction. The paper should show understanding from a theoretical perspective of the population-at-risk, the problem or issue within the community, resources and programs that attempt to address the problem, and macro roles and ethical responsibilities of social workers to advocate and empower the population-at-risk to address the problem. Students will discuss the results of the literature search and present information about the problem and how the literature and theoretical perspective informs their critical analysis (2-3 empirical sources are required). The paper should address the components below. (100 points)
Literature Search:
For the problem identified, complete a literature search and find 2-3 empirical journal articles (peer reviewed) that inform you about that problem. For example, if you choose human trafficking as a problem local to your community, your literature search will focus on the larger issue of human trafficking in general.
Discuss the scope and prevalence of the problem based on information from the literature
Theory application: From a theoretical perspective, discuss how does this problem impacts the identified population at risk.
Select 2-3 theories discussed in the text (note: Do not use intervention theories or micro theories)
Apply the theories to the identified problem and identify/define related theoretical concepts
Discuss how these theories/concepts explain specific issues relevant to your population and make a case for how your theory applies to the identified problem and the population. Include aspects of
social environment
physical environment
financial/economic
community functioning
Macro Programs and Resources, and
What macro programs are currently used to address this problem in your local community?
Select one program and identify the mission of the program, whether it is a primary or secondary setting, and the assets and resources offered.
Social Work Roles and Ethical Responsibilities
If you were a social worker in that program, discuss your macro roles related to the problem and population-at-risk.
Within those roles, identify and describe ethical responsibility to the broader society and specific challenges you may face with regard to cultural competence.
Empowerment
Discuss aspects of empowerment including personal empowerment, social empowerment, social support networks, and ways to foster the empowerment of the at risk population within the community.
Include in your discussion resiliency, strengths.
