Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM

Rodriguez, Rizal

College of Social Work and Community Development

Campus/College

SWP 1: Knowledge and Philosophical Foundations of Social Work

Descriptive Title of Subject

Introduction to Social Welfare Principles & Concepts

Name of Reporters: BSSW 1B

1. Antipolo, April ann O.
2. Belgica, Carla

Name of Instructor:
Ms. Jelly Delos Santos

SOCIAL WELFARE

Social welfare involves the contribution of many people with different competencies.
Representatives of different professions and occupations work in the field of social
welfare—doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, nurses, social workers, priests,
psychologists, sociologists, nutritionists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, etc.,
all having their own roles and functions to play. Social welfare would also cut across the
concern of various agencies, institutions, and organizations with particular areas of
interest and/or responsibility, such as those in health, nutrition, education, housing,
labor and industry, community development, social insurance, family planning, and so
on.

The discussion of 'need' and 'welfare' so far has been based on people as 'individuals'.
One view of 'society' is that it consists simply of many individuals; 'social welfare',
therefore, is nothing but the sum of individual welfare. Oakeshott (1975, p.340), a
conservative political philosopher, condemns the idea of society as an abstraction; it
implies, he argues, some association between people without specifying what the
association is.

In its most expansive scope, "social welfare" encompasses virtually all activities
undertaken by individuals for the benefit of society. Gertrude Wilson defines social
welfare as a collective endeavor involving all members of society for the well-being of
everyone. Walter Friedlander characterizes it as a systematically organized framework
of social services and institutions, with the aim of assisting individuals and groups in
achieving satisfactory standards of life and health. Elizabeth Wickenden, on the other
hand, describes social welfare as inclusive of laws, programs, benefits, and services
that secure or enhance provisions for addressing social needs acknowledged as
fundamental to the overall welfare of the population and the improved functioning of the
societal structure. These provisions may involve fortifying existing systems, alleviating
the challenges faced by specific individuals and groups, introducing novel services, and
encouraging a more effective adaptation of social structures.

PRINCIPLES

The Principle of social work values: Social work profession rests on values like equality,
social justice, and empowerment. These values also form the base upon which the service
delivery system of social work administration is based.

The Principle of community and client needs: The interventions carried out by the
social welfare/development agencies are based on the felt needs of the community people
or the target group. This is important for the acceptability of the program.

The Principle of agency purpose: The agency should have clearly defined, formulated
goals and purposes and should work in that direction only.

The Principle of cultural setting: The administrator needs to understand the socio-
cultural setting of the community as it greatly influences the service acceptance and in fact
success or failure of the services.

The Principle of purposeful relationship: Effective purposeful working relationship must

be established between the administrator with all the stakeholders - the staff, other
agencies, and the community people.

The Principle of agency totality: Based on the ecological approach, an agency and its
functioning should be understood in its totality, which is crucial for development
administration.

The Principle of professional responsibility: High professional standards of practice

and accountability and responsibility should be maintained at all levels of service delivery.
The principal is also linked to the professional ethics of social work

The Principle of participation: Development administration rests on people’s

participation in the development process right from planning to execution and evaluation of
services. Democratic participation is an important aspect.
The Principle of communication: Open channels of communication are essential to
effective service delivery including welfare/ development interventions.
The Principle of leadership: Though democratic and participatory approaches are a must
for development administration, visionary and transformational leadership is equally
important for attaining the goal to overall development.

CONCEPT

To conclude, social welfare encompasses the well-being of all the members of human
society, including their physical, mental, social, economic and spiritual welfare. It can also be
described as an institution consisting of laws and policies operationalised by organized
activities of private or public agencies, by which adequate social services are distributed to
individuals and groups.

It is advisable to read about similar terms like social work, social assistance and social
insurance to understand the topic in-depth. Getting a solid grip on these topics would help in
comprehending the concept of social welfare.

REFERENCE

Mendoza T. (2022) Social Welfare and Social Work 4th Edition, Quezon City; Central Books
Publication

SocialWorkIn(2023) Social Work Team.