"The core of Article 20(1) of the Basic Law reads: "The Federal Republic is a democratic and social federal state.""
The Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany already refers to the social orientation of the country. In this context, the social aspect is just as important as adherence to the democratic basic order. Germany is a social state.
The Federal Government is also obliged to publish a social report in which it presents the respective scope and significance of its social policy achievements. The multitude of areas affected and influenced by social policy is manifold and incalculable. It is impossible for anyone to escape the impact of social policy. From birth onwards, citizens of the Federal Republic are subject to the regulations and institutions of social policy. Thus social policy has an impact on health, family and labour policy, among other things. This branching out can already be seen clearly in the ministries. Although there is a Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, social policy also has an impact in the areas of the Ministry of Family Affairs, the Ministry of Economics and the Ministry of Finance.
This paper attempts to clarify which institutions are involved in the implementation of social policy in the Federal Republic. In this context, social work should be mentioned as an instrument of social policy. But what is meant by social work? To what extent is social work an instrument of policy or is it not only an executive element but itself an important part of policy? Which areas of social policy are influenced by social work and to what extent does social work influence social policy? Here it is important to look at the relationship between these two parties. Is it subject to change over the years or is there a constant pattern of action and orientation? In the following, social work will be examined more closely using the concrete example of child and youth welfare, which is a focal point of social work. The focus of the work will not be on the exact presentation of the working methods, the various institutions and the problems of social work, but rather to establish the relationship to social policy.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is Social Work?
- 2.1 The tasks and objectives
- 2.2 The areas of work
- 3. What is social policy?
- 3.1 A definition
- 3.2 Social policy institutions
- 4. Social Work and Social Policy
- 4.1 The foundations of social policy and social work
- 4.2 The historical development up to 1945
- 4.3 Developments after 1945
- 5. The "activating" welfare state today
- 5.1 Individual or general help?
- 5.2 The "activation" of social work
- 5.3 "Educational" social work
- 6. Child and youth welfare
- 6.1 The institutions
- 6.2 The tasks
- 6.3 An institution of education?
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to clarify the interplay between social work and social policy in Germany, examining the institutions involved in implementing social policy and the role of social work within this system. It explores the evolving relationship between these two fields over time and investigates whether this relationship is consistently defined or subject to change. The text uses child and youth welfare as a specific example to illustrate this relationship.
- The definition and tasks of social work
- The definition and institutions of social policy
- The historical development of social work and social policy
- The relationship between social work and social policy
- The role of social work in the "activating" welfare state
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the broad scope of social policy in Germany, highlighting its constitutional basis and far-reaching impact on citizens' lives from birth onwards. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of social policy, influencing various sectors like health, family, and labor, and touches upon the complex relationship between social work and social policy, which the work aims to explore. The chapter highlights the necessity of understanding this relationship and its evolution over time.
2. What is Social Work?: This chapter delves into the definition and multifaceted nature of social work. It addresses the evolving terminology and its relationship to social pedagogy, clarifying the practical and scientific aspects of the field. The chapter defines the goals and tasks of social work as addressing both individual and societal problems, focusing on securing an individual’s existence and resolving existential difficulties. It emphasizes social work's unique approach of handling individual cases, unlike the broader perspective of social policy.
3. What is social policy?: This chapter provides a definition of social policy, tracing the term's roots in ancient Greek concepts relating to public affairs and leadership. It lays the groundwork for understanding social policy's role and significance in the German context, setting the stage for further discussion of its relationship with social work. The chapter acts as a critical foundation for later analysis of the interplay between the two areas.
4. Social Work and Social Policy: This chapter explores the intricate relationship between social work and social policy, examining the foundations of both and tracing their historical development up to 1945 and beyond. It analyzes how social work functions as an instrument of social policy and the reciprocal influence between the two. This chapter is essential in providing context and understanding the evolution of their dynamic interaction throughout history, highlighting key turning points and their respective influences.
5. The "activating" welfare state today: This chapter examines the contemporary “activating” welfare state, exploring the tension between individual and general support mechanisms. It delves into the “activation” of social work, analyzing how it plays a role in enabling self-sufficiency and employment. The chapter also looks at the increasing emphasis on educational aspects within social work, showcasing the evolving nature of social work's role in the modern German welfare system.
6. Child and youth welfare: This chapter focuses on child and youth welfare as a specific area of social work, examining the institutions, tasks, and challenges involved. It delves into the question of whether child and youth welfare should be viewed primarily as an institution of education or if its scope is broader. This chapter serves as a case study to illustrate the principles and practical application of the concepts discussed in previous chapters, providing a concrete example of the social work and social policy interplay.
Keywords
Social work, social policy, welfare state, Germany, child and youth welfare, social pedagogy, activation, institutions, historical development, individual vs. general help.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Preview of Social Work and Social Policy in Germany
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text clarifies the interplay between social work and social policy in Germany. It examines the institutions involved in implementing social policy, the role of social work within this system, and how their relationship has evolved over time. The text uses child and youth welfare as a case study to illustrate this complex relationship.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an introduction, chapters defining social work and social policy, a chapter on their historical relationship, a chapter on the modern "activating" welfare state, and a final chapter focusing specifically on child and youth welfare in Germany. Each chapter is further subdivided into relevant subtopics.
What are the main objectives and key themes explored?
The main objectives are to define social work and social policy in the German context, trace their historical development, analyze their relationship, and examine social work's role in the modern welfare state. Key themes include the definitions and tasks of each field, the relevant institutions, their historical evolution, and the ongoing interplay between individual and general support mechanisms.
What is the content of each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Provides an overview of social policy in Germany, its constitutional basis, and its impact on citizens' lives. It highlights the complex relationship between social work and social policy. Chapter 2 (What is Social Work?): Defines social work, its tasks, and its relationship to social pedagogy. Chapter 3 (What is social policy?): Defines social policy and its role in the German context. Chapter 4 (Social Work and Social Policy): Explores the historical relationship between the two fields, highlighting their intertwined development. Chapter 5 (The "activating" welfare state today): Examines the modern welfare state's focus on activation and its impact on social work. Chapter 6 (Child and youth welfare): Uses child and youth welfare as a case study to illustrate the concepts discussed in previous chapters.
What are the key terms used throughout the text?
Key terms include social work, social policy, welfare state, Germany, child and youth welfare, social pedagogy, activation, institutions, historical development, and the contrast between individual and general help.
What is the significance of the case study on child and youth welfare?
The case study on child and youth welfare serves as a practical example to illustrate the interplay between social work and social policy in a specific area. It demonstrates how theoretical concepts are applied in practice and highlights the challenges and complexities involved.
Who is the intended audience for this text?
While not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature and academic style suggest the intended audience is likely students or researchers in social work, social policy, or related fields.
Where can I find more information on the topics discussed?
The provided preview does not contain specific references or further reading suggestions. However, the key terms listed can be used to conduct further research in academic databases and libraries.
- Quote paper
- Maik Ruhnau (Author), 2009, The Relationship Between Social Policy and Social Work, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1162873
