Understanding Social Welfare Social welfare concepts and definitions

Conceptualizing human needs and social institutions

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Psychological survival needs: nourishment, rest, sex, warmth. Safety needs: preservation of life and sense of security Belongingness needs: to be part of a group and to love and to be loved. Esteem needs: approval, respect, acceptance, appreciation, etc. Self actualization needs:to be able to fulfill our fullest potential

NASW statement of needs Need for physical and mental well being Need to know Need for justice Need for economic security Need for self realization, intimacy and relationship.

Social institutions Social institutions are networks of relationships that carry out the essential social functions. Social institutions develop around these needs. Kinship & family, religion, workplace, market place, mutual assistance and government, etc. are organizational forms. They are formalized way of providing resources for helping to meet human needs.

Key organizations and functions Organizational forms Primary functions Social welfare functions FamiliesProcreation, intimacy,support Care, Financial support ChurchesSpiritual development Counseling, social services

Organizations and functions contd. Organizational forms Primary functions Social welfare functions Work organizations EmploymentEmployee benefits Producers & consumers Exchange of goods/services for money Commercial so.welfare goods/services

Organizations and functions contd. Organizational forms Primary functions Social welfare functions Support groups, vol. agencies Mutual aid, philanthropy Volunteering, com. Social ser. National/ Regional/local governments Mobilization & distribution of goods for collective goals Antipoverty, economic security, health, education, housing, etc

Questions to ask regarding policies Degree to which human needs are met or unmet Degree to which problems are solved or unsolved Degree to which opportunities are provided for advancement