ULO 1.critically analyse key elements in the case study;

ULO 1.critically analyse key elements in the case study;

ULO2. appraise social work theories in regard to the service delivery needs of a particular group;

ULO4. articulate a social worker's role in responding to disadvantage and/or marginalisation; and

ULO 5. generate ways of communicating ideas and addressing disadvantage to diverse audiences.

Criteria High Distinction

Distinction

Credit

Pass

Analysis of the case study and the broader social context surrounding Jill

Links to theory

Links to policy

Impacts service provision

Excellent analysis of the case study and the broader social context that links theory, policy and also explains impacts upon service provision. Critical thinking and writing is evident about the socio-political-cultural context of the case study. (eg. the student raises issues of socioeconomic status, power, inequality and discrimination).

Very good analysis of the case study and the broader social context that links theory, policy and also explains impacts on service provision. The broader social and political context is explored.

Sound analysis of the case study and the broader social context that links theory, policy and also explains impacts service provision.

Unsatisfactory analysis of the case study.

The links to theory and policy are weak .

Impacts on service provision is unclear at times or not explained.

Critical social work

Principles of critical social work

Roles of social workers/community services workers in addressing challenges relevant to case study context

Ideas about communicating needs of disadvantaged groups to diverse audiences

Excellent understanding of, and explanation of, the main elements of critical social work and social and community service worker roles. This was demonstrated through analysis of effectiveness interventions and ideas to convey challenges involved in working with Jill. Good critique of diverse evidence/ assumptions. Very good understanding of critical social work. Good discussion of social work/community service worker role and some of the challenges involved in implementation relevant to the case study context. Ideas for communicating service user needs thoroughly discussed. The main points in the argument are supported by evidence. Sound understanding of critical social work and some social work roles. Some discussion of the challenges involved in implementation relevant to the case study context and some ideas about communicating disadvantage. Some discussion of use of evidence. Basic understanding of critical social work demonstrated, although there was a lack of clarity about some of the challenges involved in implementation relevant to the case study context. Few or no ideas about how to communicate needs of people experiencing disadvantage.

Research and Referencing

Uses relevant and thoughtfully selected literature.

Uses APA7 referencing style in-text and in the reference list.

Exceptionally well researched and well referenced paper that uses credible academic and industry sources that support the main argument.

References are referenced using APA 7 style. Very well researched and well referenced paper with evidence of use of credible academic and industry sources that support the main argument.

References are referenced using APA 7 style. Good paper that uses credible academic and industry sources that support the main argument.

References are referenced using APA 7 style. Adequately researched using mostly credible sources to support the main argument.

Most references are referenced using APA 7 style.

Jean MujeeHSSW 400 Assignment 1 : Short Written Reflection

Reflective Essay: A view of life on the streets in Australia

Watching the SBS documentary, Struggle Street was an eye opening experience, it made me realise how people are quick to judge, name call and label other human beings. (Struggle Street S02E01, SBS Australia, 2017, 104:24) Although Michael's days of heroic deeds are behind him, the repercussions of his past behaviour have irreparably harmed his relationships with loved ones. Sadly, the consequences of his actions will haunt him forever, leaving a lasting impact on his personal life.

I have always known poverty and homelessness to be the major factors affecting people in developing countries (United Nations, 2019). It astonished me to realise that homelessness is a universal issue that knows no boundaries, affecting people from all walks of life, regardless of their countrys economic status or development level. This reflective essay will unpack the consequences of social disadvantage, the documentary challenged my preconceived notions and assumptions about the causes of homelessness. Additionally, I will explore how this experience enhanced my understanding of social disadvantage from an academic perspective, and the systems perspective on power dynamics and suggested changes.

Why it Matters

(Struggle Street S02E01, SBS Australia, 2017, 0:14) Even though Australia is one of the richest countries in the world, according to the documentary, three million people in Australia live below the poverty line. Many people are barely making ends meet, Inala in Queensland, is the most disadvantaged suburbs in Australia. The experience of watching the SBS documentary matters because it humanized social disadvantage, putting a face to the statistics and showcasing the resilience and strength of those affected. It highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing social disadvantage, and the consequences of inaction, including perpetuating cycles of poverty, mental health issues, and trauma.

Challenging Assumptions

My prior beliefs and assumptions were challenged as I gained a deeper understanding of social disadvantage. I discovered that it is not solely the result of individual shortcomings or personal failures. Instead, it is a complex issue rooted in systemic problems. The lack of affordable housing and limited access to healthcare are just a few examples of these underlying issues (Bessant, 2019). I realised that social disadvantage is often perpetuated by structural barriers and ingrained inequalities, rather than individual inadequacies. This new understanding has broadened my perspective and encouraged me to think critically about the social and economic systems that perpetuate disadvantage. I now recognize the importance of addressing these systemic issues to create meaningful change and promote greater social equity (Mendes, 2017).

Academic Perspective

This experience profoundly deepened my understanding of social disadvantage, as it vividly illustrated the interconnected concepts of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion (Bessant, 2019). Through this experience, I gained a nuanced perspective on the complexities of social disadvantage, which challenged my previous assumptions about the efficacy of existing support systems. I realised that these systems often fall short in addressing the root causes of social disadvantage, such as the social determinants of health (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). This experience emphasized the critical need to tackle these underlying factors, including access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, in order to meaningfully mitigate social disadvantage. By broadening my understanding of these issues, this experience has inspired me to advocate for more comprehensive and inclusive support systems that prioritise the well-being and empowerment of marginalised communities.

Systems Perspective

The documentary shed light on the insidious power dynamics that perpetuate social disadvantage, exposing how entrenched systems and structures maintain the existing social order, favouring those in positions of power while perpetuating harm against marginalised communities. To combat this, I recommend implementing transformative changes, such as increasing funding for vital social services, enacting policies that address the critical need for affordable housing and healthcare, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by social disadvantage (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). By taking these steps, we can begin to dismantle the oppressive systems that perpetuate inequality and work towards creating a more just and equitable society. It is essential that we prioritise the empowerment of marginalised communities and actively listen to their experiences and perspectives in order to create meaningful change. By doing so, we can begin to break down the barriers that perpetuate social disadvantage and work towards a future that values and uplifts all individuals (Mendes, 2017)

Conclusion

This experience has had a profound impact on me, shattering my preconceptions and deepening my understanding of social disadvantage. It has underscored the vital importance of empathy, compassion, and tackling systemic issues to drive meaningful change. I have gained a newfound appreciation for the complexities of social disadvantage and the need for a comprehensive approach to address its root causes. This transformative experience will stay with me, shaping my future pursuits and informing my actions. I am committed to applying this newfound understanding to make a positive difference in the lives of others, advocating for a more just and equitable society for all. As I move forward, I am eager to continue learning and growing, using my experiences to drive positive change and promote social justice.

References:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Australia's welfare 2019. AIHW.

Bessant, J. (2019). The Australian welfare state and the challenge of social inequality. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 54(2), 141-156.

Mendes, P. (2017). Australian social welfare and the neo-liberal agenda. Journal of Social Policy, 46(3), 547-562.

Struggle Street S02E01, SBS Australia. (2017). [Video].

You Tube. https://youtu.be/x9AmcnOIEFY?si=-_W2SzPRwe8PHOFhUnited Nations. (2019). The state of homelessness in the developing world. (https://www.un.org)