Post an explanation of the dichotomy between micro and macro practice.
SOCW 6351: Social Policy, Welfare, and Change
Discussion 2: Micro vs. Macro Practice The foundation of the social work profession is rooted in two levels of social assessment and reform. One is the individual, or micro, approach, which examines the needs of the individual living in poverty and explores how trained social work professionals could assist the individual in overcoming barriers to economic self-sufficiency.
The other approach, which occurs simultaneously, is a macro, or larger environment, approach. This approach identifies and influences changes in the larger systems (education, economic, etc.) to improve self-sufficiency. The social work profession incorporates both approaches and trains professionals to intervene effectively at both levels of practice.
For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Then, reflect on the dichotomy between micro and macro practice. Next, think about how micro practice has come to dominate the social work profession.
By Day 4
Post an explanation of “the dichotomy between micro and macro” practice. Then, describe how micro practice has come to dominate the social work profession.
By Day 6
Read a selection of your colleagues\’ posts.
Respond to at least two colleagues by identifying three reasons that macro practice should not be dominated by micro practice if social work policy is to effectively deal with the problems of oppressed and marginalized groups.
Support your response with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.
Return to this Discussion to read the responses to your initial post. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.
Required Readings
Popple, P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2019). The policy-based profession: An introduction to social welfare policy analysis for social workers. (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.Chapter 1, “The Policy-Based Profession” (pp. 3-18)
Steen, J. A. (2012). Critical thought within the social welfare policy course. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 32(1), 14–28.
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