Social Welfare- Meaning; Importance; Nature AND Scope PDF

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Social welfare refers to the efforts made by the government and non-profit organisations to assist families living in poverty by providing medical care, public health services, assisting with household needs, and assisting with social adjustments, among other things.
Social welfare is a well-o...

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SOCIAL WELFARE: MEANING; IMPORTANCE; NATURE AND SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Social welfare refers to the efforts made by the government and non-profit organisations to assist families living in poverty by providing medical care, public health services, assisting with household needs, and assisting with social adjustments, among other things. Social welfare is a well-organized system of social services and institutions aimed at assisting individuals and groups in achieving acceptable levels of health and happiness. As a result, social welfare aims to help the less fortunate members of society who are unable to access social services or have been historically denied access to them.

Defining Social Welfare Social Welfare is considered a branch of public administration because it identifies social problems and then works to solve them by implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. It is not considered an independent discipline because it is primarily based on social sciences and other sciences. According to Wayne Vasey (1958), social welfare has two main characteristics: the use of welfare measures to support or strengthen the family as a basic social institution through which needs are met, and the intention to strengthen individuals' capacity to cope with their life circumstances. According to Fried Lander (1959), social welfare is an organised system of social services and institutions aimed at assisting individuals and groups in achieving satisfactory living and health standards. "In its narrowest sense, social welfare includes those non-profit functions of society, public or voluntary, which are clearly aimed at alleviating distress and poverty or at ameliorating the conditions of the casualties of society." write Dolgoff, R., and D.Feldstein. (1980, P.91, Understanding Social Welfare)

The United Nations' definition is as follows: "As an organised function, social welfare is defined as a set of activities that enable individuals, families, groups, and communities to cope with the social problems that arise as a result of changing circumstances. However, in addition to and beyond its responsibilities for specific services, social welfare has a broader role to play in a country's overall social development. In a broader sense, social welfare should play a significant role in assisting the country's effective mobilisation and deployment of human and material resources to meet the social demands of change, thereby contributing to nationbuilding " (1967). From these definitions, it is clear that social welfare aims to allow individuals to develop their full potential while also promoting their well-being in a balanced manner. However, it is important to remember that social welfare is primarily ensured through the institutional organisation of society, and that its activities are geared toward the development of that organisation. Significantly, the improvement of the weaker, marginalised, and vulnerable sections of the population is inextricably linked to social welfare. However, it has a broader significance that is concerned with human development as a whole.

Evolution of social welfare

Concern for the poor, disabled, and needy has existed in all societies throughout history. The concept of a welfare state and the development of a structured welfare system, on the other hand, came later. The concept of social welfare is influenced by changing social, economic, political, and cultural trends in any country, and thus this term can only have a fixed meaning if it fails to meet new situations. As a result, in the context of all nations, the Social Welfare system has gone through various stages. Medieval England was forced to pass laws such as The Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 (which was later amended) and the Speenhamland Act of 1796 as a result of the Industrial Revolution and its resulting changes. These acts are significant milestones in the United Kingdom's social welfare development. Some of the milestones in the development of social welfare in the United States include the adoption of the Poor

Law of 1601 and the Law of Settlement and Removal of 1662, the American Revolution, the establishment of the Morrill Act and the Freedom's Bureau, the emergence of the Charitable Organizations Society, and finally the establishment of several colleges and universities to provide training in social work.

Evolution of Social Welfare in India

The Indian society has been dominated by the concept of social welfare since its inception, as humanitarian philosophy principles have played an important role in the society. The evolution of social welfare in India, on the other hand, can be roughly divided into three periods:

The Pre-British Era

Both ancient and mediaeval India are included in the pre-British period. During this time, social welfare was an important part of the government's religion and responsibility. The rulers of this time mostly focused on social welfare measures. The rulers established a number of charitable institutions for the poor and disabled, as well as a number of public works projects. These included the construction of separate hospitals for men and animals, as well as national highways, rest houses, and other facilities. Village republics were established to look into village administration and the protection of the weak. Irrigation and free medical services were made available to the people. Furthermore, the rulers reformed the communication system and built roads, as well as establishing charitable institutions, and nearly all of the rulers took an interest in the problems of the cultivators, the disabled, and the destitute. The British Empire

Indian society was orthodox and custom-bound during the British period. The majority of the customs were legalised under the guise of religion. In the society, certain customs such as sati, untouchability, women's temple dedication, and the caste

system existed. The rule of the British influenced a new way of thinking marked by rationalism, democracy, and liberalism. As a result, people were motivated to speak out against the social evils that existed at the time, and social welfare took the form of social reform movements during this time. During this time, a number of reform movements emerged, such as the Brahma samaj, Arya samaj, and Rama Krishna Mission, which mobilised public opinion against our society's evil practises and succeeded in enacting legislation to alleviate the situation. Along with the growing Nationalist Movement, several leaders advocated for social reform. In this regard, Mahatma Gandhi's contribution is significant. Gandhi advocated for women's equality, harijan welfare, the improvement of rural economic life, and a system of education geared to the people's work and lives. Gandhiji's social reform was a part of his larger public life, and it was included in his "constructive programme" which was a movement for economic progress and a bettering of social conditions.

Post-Independent Period

Following India's independence, social welfare programmes became more organised, with a foundation in the Indian constitution, which empowers the state to promote the welfare of the weaker sections of society and meet their basic needs. The programmes that were started and included in the Five Year Plans, as well as those that were implemented during the Plan period. A specific target group was identified in each Plan, and funds were allocated to meet their needs. In addition, the Social Welfare Department was established to coordinate the country's welfare programmes. To coordinate voluntary efforts across the country, the Social Welfare Advisory Board was established in all states and union territories. The State Boards receive a large portion of the Board's financial assistance, which is distributed to non-profit organisations. Thus, social welfare in India has progressed through various stages to reach its current status.

Importance of Social Welfare

Although the importance of social welfare cannot be overstated, its role in nurturing human values and its utility in promoting social progress are underappreciated. Social welfare plays an important role in social life, particularly in industrialised societies. The three main functions that the institution of social welfare is expected to perform are maintenance, development, and change activities. Maintenance activities encompass all efforts to assist individuals and groups in leading a smooth and stable life, whereas developmental activities encompass all efforts to help individuals and social institutions grow. Change activities aim to alter the functioning of individuals, families, and groups as and when it is deemed necessary for their benefit. Furthermore, social welfare provides a sense of security to the elderly, unemployed, displaced, and underprivileged. Children who have been deprived of nurturing and care within the family are protected by social welfare. As a result, social welfare helps people live better lives in a variety of ways. Social welfare programmes are a critical component of the system. As our country continues to struggle with the unique social issues of overpopulation, pollution, severe and persistent poverty, and public health, we continue to struggle with the financial resources needed to become a more developed and prosperous country. The welltrained professionals in the field of social welfare will contribute to the improvement of the situation. Nature of Social Welfare

The question of whether social welfare is a science or an art has become more important. There is a debate about the nature of social welfare, and each point of view has its own justification. Social welfare can be used in two ways. It refers to the process of implementing social welfare programmes. It's also a source of intellectual curiosity. Practice comes first, followed by study. As a profession, social welfare is unquestionably an art.

Social Welfare Administration as an Art

The following arguments have been presented to support the notion that social welfare is a form of art. It is something that can be learned—the art of social welfare is something that can be learned. Talented individuals can become versatile administrators with the right training. As a result, social welfare administration is similar to other arts in terms of acquisition. It is subjective in nature- A social welfare administrator can make significant changes and development by combining and bringing together available human and material resources to change the nation's fate with the application of knowledge and skill. Today, the success of any welfare programme is determined by the performance of a social welfare administrator. ➢ Art is the systematic application of knowledge in the form of a practical application. Knowledge application in practise entails not only the application of theory but also the application of theory in practise. Similarly, social welfare administration is more than just theory; it is also application, because the best knowledge is gained through practise.

Social Welfare as a Science

Those who believe that social welfare administration is a science point out that there are specific and well-defined principles by which social welfare programmes are run and managed on a daily basis. They also claim that the principles are founded on sound and rational principles that are universally accepted. To justify social welfare as a science, the following arguments have been advanced: Application of Scientific Method: A discipline's claim to be called a science is contingent on whether or not the scientific method of investigation is applicable to it. Because the scientific method of study is equally applicable to social welfare as it is to other social sciences, it can be called a science.

Critical Examining and Studying of Evidence: Any scientific study must begin with a critical examination and study of evidence. This is also possible in the field of social welfare. ➢ Universal Principles of Social Welfare: Science is coloured by universal principles of social welfare. Although the guidelines cannot be used in the same way, they do assist administrators in the proper implementation of social welfare programmes. However, the lack of experimentation and objectivity has been used to criticise the nature of social welfare administration as a science. As a result, it is not an exact science, but it is a science nonetheless. It's also an art, because it's involved not only in the formulation of general principles for social welfare programmes, but also in the actual administration of those programmes. Scope of Social Welfare

Social welfare has a wide range of applications. With the emergence of new social problems of a completely different nature, a new strategy for their solution must be developed. In a changing environment, it may be necessary to make the best use of available resources such as human, institutional, financial, technological, and so on. The term "social welfare" refers to a variety of factors that play a role in the successful resolution of social problems. The scope of social welfare administration, according to Bhardwaj, can be divided into two categories: • The POSDCORB perspective The POSDCORB view of social welfare is a narrow one that focuses on the implementation of government-sponsored programmes. As such, this viewpoint is consistent with the managerial viewpoint. This viewpoint is shared by Henri Fayol, L. Urwick, Fercey M. Ovean, and Luther Gulick. • The Social Welfare System as a Whole With the emergence of new social problems every day, the field of social welfare is expanding. As a result, a new perspective on the scope of social welfare emerged,

known as the integral perspective. As the number of social problems grew, the government, which was already overburdened and unable to effectively address the issues, enlisted the help of various non-governmental organisations. As a result, this viewpoint encompasses not only the subject of social welfare, but also the implementation aspect, which is the primary focus of the POSDCoRB viewpoint. LET’S SUM UP

• The efforts of the government and voluntary organisations are referred to as social welfare. • Social welfare is a well-organized system of social services and institutions aimed at assisting individuals and groups in achieving acceptable levels of health and happiness. • The field of social welfare is regarded as a subset of public administration. • Because social welfare is primarily based on social sciences and other sciences, it is not considered a stand-alone discipline. • Because the concept of social welfare is influenced by changing social, economic, political, and cultural trends, this term could only have a fixed meaning if it fails to adapt to new situations. • The concept of social welfare has been dominant in Indian society since its inception. • In India, the evolution of social welfare can be divided into three phases: pre-British, British, and post-independence. • Social welfare is extremely important in social life, particularly in industrialised societies. • The institution of social welfare is expected to perform three main functions: maintenance activities, development activities, and change activities. • The question of whether social welfare is a science or an art has become more important. • It is argued that Social Welfare Administration is an Art based on the principles that it can be learned, is subjective in nature, and requires practical application of

knowledge. • It is argued that Social Welfare Administration is a Science based on the principles that it employs scientific methods, allows for critical evaluation, and follows universal guidelines. • Social welfare has a wide range of applications. • Social welfare encompasses a variety of factors that are important in the overall process of successfully resolving social issues. • The POSDCORB view of social welfare is a limited one, focusing primarily on the implementation of government-sponsored programmes. • With the emergence of new social problems every day, the field of social welfare is expanding. • The integral view encompasses not only the subject of social welfare but also the implementation aspect this view encompasses not only the subject of social welfare but also the implementation aspect...