In This Module You Will Start Thinking About Social Inj

In This Module You Will Start Thinking About What Social Injustice Is

Research social welfare policies related to a social problem such as poverty, crime, or unemployment using your textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Identify and describe the social factors contributing to this problem. Examine a federal or state social welfare policy aimed at addressing this problem. Using the NASW Code of Ethics as a framework, evaluate whether this policy adequately and ethically addresses the social problem, providing reasons and examples. Additionally, compare how this social problem exists and is addressed in another country relative to your community, considering differences in handling and implications. Use APA standards for citing sources, and write your initial response in 300–400 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The examination of social injustice within the framework of social welfare policies reveals complex interactions between societal factors and governmental interventions aimed at alleviating social problems. For this analysis, poverty has been selected as the social issue, given its pervasive nature and multifaceted causes. Poverty is deeply rooted in social determinants such as income inequality, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and systemic discrimination, which disproportionately affect marginalized groups (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). These structural factors create barriers to economic stability and social mobility, perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations.

At the federal level, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves as a critical policy designed to combat food insecurity among impoverished populations. While SNAP provides essential support, its adequacy and ethical justification warrant scrutiny through the lens of the NASW Code of Ethics. The NASW emphasizes social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human rights (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). Although SNAP aims to alleviate immediate hunger, critics argue it insufficiently addresses the root causes of poverty, such as employment opportunities and systemic inequalities. Ethically, the program is commendable for its intent but falls short in fostering long-term social mobility, sometimes reinforcing dependency rather than empowerment. Therefore, while SNAP supports victims of poverty, it does not entirely align with the NASW's call for social justice and systemic change.

Expanding the perspective internationally, the United Kingdom’s approach to tackling poverty offers valuable insights. The UK’s welfare system includes comprehensive policies like Universal Credit, which consolidates several benefits into a single payment aimed at incentivizing employment while providing income support. Unlike the U.S., the UK emphasizes a more integrated social safety net that encourages employment and social inclusion (Harris, 2019). The implications of poverty in the UK show similar patterns of disparities but are addressed through different policy mechanisms that reflect a more holistic approach. For example, programs in the UK often emphasize community engagement and social integration, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with welfare assistance.

In comparing these contexts, it becomes evident that addressing poverty requires multifaceted strategies that consider social determinants and cultural contexts. While the U.S. policies tend to focus on immediate relief, the UK's integrated approach suggests a potential model for more sustainable solutions. Recognizing these differences underscores the importance of ethically grounded policies that prioritize social justice and systemic reforms, aligning with the NASW’s ethical standards.

References

• Harris, N. (2019). Welfare reform in the United Kingdom: An integrated approach. Journal of Social Policy, 48(2), 287-305.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW code of ethics. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Wilkinson, R., & Marmot, M. (2003). Social determinants of health: The solid facts. World Health Organization.