Everyone has some responsibility towards the society to make it a better place for the coming generations. Surprisingly, many people have taken this seriously by pursuing social work as a career option. After all, social work awaits countless opportunities for everyone out there.
However, social work is not a child’s play, it is all about your zeal and enthusiasm to sweat for the people in need. You have to be full of empathy and warmth to overcome the challenges in this field since it is not a walk in a garden of flowers. Well, if you don’t know what we are talking about.
Here are some 6 challenges in the field of social work. Thus, start preparing yourself:
Combating Mental Illnesses
Indeed, social work is all about striving hard for the benefits of others. Haven’t you seen children complaining of depression? Well, mental illnesses, especially in the youth, are touching the sky. You might even find an eleven-year-old grumbling about being depressed. Don’t you think this is one of the biggest challenges for social workers?
Usually, adults and family members fail to pay attention to these things. They think their kids are just trying to use some fancy terms to explain their state. Well, social workers are working nine-to-five to lend a hand to these people. Of course, this not a piece of cake. Many people fail to open up about their issues due to the lack of trust. While others refuse to seek help from these workers.
Besides, mental illness – depression, anxiety, is more like a social stigma. Even in the 21st century, people don’t resist using the tag of ‘crazy’ for mental illnesses. Hence, social workers are holding the bag for combating such stigmas too. So, if you also hold the vision of wavering these mindsets, then take a step forward by looking for online masters in social work.
Consistent Efforts for Financial Wellness
Social workers are on the track of helping people to improve their lifestyles. The majority of the population is striving hard to make ends meet. Talking about developing countries, people are deprived of basic necessities – clean, water, food, clothing, and shelter. All the social workers around the globe are working day and night to serve these people.
Alongside funds, a lot of effort goes into it. Social workers don’t struggle to find the needy but making sure they are actually the ones in need is nothing less than a challenge. Unfortunately, some people are awesome at pretending, especially when it comes to winning some extra bucks. Thus, social workers have to remain careful of all such frauds.
Moreover, these workers continuously carry out funds and clothes, raising drives, walking from door to door, seeking help. Thus, make sure you are ready for it before trying your luck with social work.
Dealing with Personal Issues of Domestic Violence
You must think the stains of violence no longer exist in the 21st century. Sadly, social workers come across oodles of domestic violence cases every single day. All the workers give their best shot when it comes to rescuing the victim, but the statement of ‘personal matter’ kicks in. Unsurprisingly, victims are never confident enough to speak up for their rights.
Thus, it becomes more challenging for social workers to protect people who are not willing to take a stand for themselves. Believe it or not, it is nothing less than a challenge. Even when victims agree, the abuser shields himself by giving a label of ‘personal matter’. This means they are asking the social workers to back off since it is a personal matter.
Without any hesitation or second thoughts, workers continue helping these victims until they are able to pull them out from this trap. At the same time, they hold awareness programs to make people cognizant of their rights against any sort of violence or harassment. Many people are not aware of the power in their hands.
Crossing Swords with Inequality
Even though we are proudly independent in the 21st century, but sadly, we haven’t left inequality behind in any regard. Gender inequality and income inequality remains constant in a progressive world. Doubtfully, the ratio may have declined over time, but it still exists. Women are still treated as objects while janitors and workers haven’t seen any progress.
Social work is all about standing up for the unheard. Haven’t you come across domestic workers at your office or home? They have been in this profession since ages due to severe income inequality. After all, ‘the rich become richer, while the poor become poorer’. Indeed, many countries have come up with healthy income redistribution schemes, but economic inequality exists.
Social workers are also giving their two cents in combating these inequalities by helping people find suitable opportunities. They are also conducting innovative programs to equip people with technology for better opportunities in the future.
Purge Social Isolation
It is out of the question to limit human interactions. Many teenagers do go through ups and downs while losing their faith in humanity. Well, this is the first step to social isolation, since they end up cutting all social and personal bonds. Many psychologists believe it to be more harmful than physical injury since the person is drowning himself into a mental trauma.
Social workers have taken the responsibility of rescuing all such individuals. They are holding awareness programs, ice-breaking challenges to boost interactions. Thus, helping them shape up their mental and physical health. Alongside this, they also throw some shade at bitter realities of life, preparing them how to deal with uncertainties.
Struggle for Equal Opportunities & Justice
The madness of power always costs the poor. Social workers come across many innocents in jail, who are only at the fault of calling a battle with someone powerful. Sometimes, justice takes years since the other party overrules the social workers even, due to power. Thus, making it super laborious for social workers to seek justice.
Similarly, counting on equal opportunities is a lot of trouble. To state facts, many women are not offered top-notch jobs, despite the same qualifications as male candidates. Well, this is backed up by many arguments but doesn’t make it right. Social workers are continuously sweating to help women get what they deserve. They have also are taking the initiative with companies to reduce inequality by giving them a label of ‘free from gender discrimination’.
Conclusion
Social work is a lot of hard work full of some uphill battles. Are you wondering why people still settle for it? Some people look forward to contentment and peace rather than running after money. The feeling of helping someone in need is beyond words and worth every effort. So, if you think it is simple and easy, have a look above to take a glance at challenges in the field of social work.