Defining And Analysing Groupwork Social Work Essay

Defining And Analysing Groupwork Social Work Essay Groups may be defined in many ways, indeed providing an absolute definition of a group, as with much of the theory around group work, is highly problematic and contestable. However for the purposes of discussing groupwork within a context of working with young people we may define a group as a small gathering of young people. Group work may simplistically be described as the study and application of the processes and outcomes experienced when a small group comes together. Konopka (1963) defines groupwork as a method of social work that is utilised in order to `help individuals to enhance their social functioning through purposeful group experiences, and to cope more effectively with their personal, group or community problems`. This definition shows a tradition within groupwork of helping individuals with problems. Brown provides a modernised and more comprehensive definition of group work (1994, p.8). He states that `groupwork provides a context in which individuals help each other; it is a method of helping groups as well as helping individuals; and it can enable individuals and groups to influenceand changepersonal, group, organisational and community problems` (original emphasis). He goes on to distinguish between `relatively small and neighbourhood centred` work and `macro, societal and political approaches` within community work, explaining that only the former may be properly classified as groupwork. Thus the role of groupwork can be seen as one which places emphasis on sharing of thoughts, ideas, problems and activities. Roles within Groups Each individual within a group has a role to play in the development of that group to a greater or lesser extent. Through observation, understanding of difference, awareness of personal resourcesand effective communication(Douglas, 1995), each member may affect group processes and individual emotions. Roles develop within groups both through formal appointment and because of the personal characteristics and interpersonal relationships that develop between members. Roles which develop can be constructive and support the group and its members in achieving its goals, or can be destructive and work against the overall group aims. Individuals within the group can develop several roles and at times these may conflict. For example a PTV member who was designated as leaderfor a specific task, also played a clownand was fond of practical jokes. The fooling around led to a lack of trust from other group members creating a conflict with the leadership role. As the group begins to develop an understanding of four things can be observed: Observation: the way we behave is based upon what we observe of ourselves, and what we make of others and their reactions to us. Differences: personally and socially generated; the effects they have on behaviour and understanding. Resources: frequently stemming from difference but are the source of potential power for a group and an individual. Communication: considered to be natural but subject to many barriers that remain largely unknown unless a conscious effort is made to find them: (Douglas, 1995, p. 80-97)   Through supportive roles, groups may play a part in reducing oppression generated externally to the group. Groupwork can be used as a medium for oppressed groups to `help these groups adjust in society`, and moreover to help society to adjust towards these groups. This can be achieved by `individual rehabilitation` in which we can `help individuals to adjust to social life and manage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ tension à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ gain confidence, high self esteem`, and in `getting and keeping employment etc.`. `Societal or community rehabilitation` involves `helping the society to have meaningful contact` with individuals and groups which are discriminated against and oppressed (Osei-Hwedie, Mwansa, and Mufune, 1990, p. 188). Preston-Shoot describes groupwork creating a `sense of belonging and mutual identity` encouraging `the formation of relationships which foster mutual identification and influence`, thus feelings of isolation and singularity with issues of difference and oppression may be reduced. Also, the group may be encouraged to use its internal resources to move towards individual or group `problem-resolution`, reducing feelings of helplessness, building self worth, and discouraging worker dependency (Preston-Shoot, 1987, p. 6-28). Smith concurs with this view of the suitability of groupwork, stating `Groups are obvious sites of interaction and within them a sense of connectedness or community with others can be fostered` (Smith, 1994, p.111). This `connectedness` is a valuable tool with which to challenge discrimination and oppression, for as Piven and Cloward argue, it is only when we act collectively that change can begin (Piven and Cloward, 1993). Conclusion: Group Work Double Edged Sword? To state that group work is not an exact science is something of an understatement. As we have seen, it is problematic to even define what is meant by a group as no absolute definition exists. Similarly most, if not all, concepts within group work theory can be, and are, contested. Groups are extremely important in the lives of all individuals. Johnson and Johnson (1975, p1-2) state `many of our goals can be achieved only with the cooperation and coordination of others`. However `the success of any group depends on the ability of its members to exchange ideas freely and to feel involved in the life and decisions of the group` (Massallay, 1990). All groups within youth work have goals, i.e. a future state of affairs. It is important that short term and long term goals are set realistically if the group is to develop and function effectively. These functions are achieved through the direction of leadership and the development of individual roles within each group. A group is said to be successful if it: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   accomplishes group tasks 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   maintains the group internally, and; 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   develops and adapts to improve effectiveness. (Massallay, 1990) Groupwork can be used as an effective tool for many youth work situations, not least of which is as a medium for challenging oppression both within groups and individuals. Thus, we have seen the emergence and development of girls issue groups and black young peoples projects that offer mutual support as well as working to challenge oppression. Yet we have seen that through the development stages of a groups life there are many opportunities for individuals to develop and focus oppressive behaviour internally within a group. A grasp of theoretical understanding of group behaviour and functioning can help to explain individual and group behaviour, and help us to achieve our ultimate aim as youth workers, that of informal education. It is important not to treat group work as an exact science with definitive answers. Indeed many of the questionswe must ask ourselves are unclear, thus the answersare a best guess, or a benchmark that we can develop on and work around. Finally, let us consider briefly the historical context of group work development and the purpose it has not only within youth work, but society at large. As Taylor reminds us `A moments reflection shows that the social groupwork beloved of liberalism is the product of the American capitalist concern to develop more sophisticated management techniques` (Taylor, 1987, p. 140). Let us be careful to use group work to promote democracy and not fall into the trap of using group work as yet another tool for promoting social control in a capitalistic state.  © Student Youth Work Online 1999-2001 Please always reference the author of this page. References Recommended Reading Adair, J. (1988) Effective LeadershipLondon: Pan Barker, L. L., Cegala, D. J., Kibler, R. J. and Wahlers, K. J. Groups In ProcessNew Jersey, USA: Prentice-Hall Bond, T. (1986) Games for Social and Life SkillsLondon: Hutchinson Brandes, D. and Phillips, H (1977) Gamesters HandbookGreat Britain: Stanley Thornes Brown, A. (1994) Groupwork 3rdEditionGreat Yarmouth: Ashgate Publishing Dearling, A. and Armstrong, H. (1994) The New Youth Games BookGreat Britain: Russell House Publishing Douglas, T. (1983) Groups: Understanding People Gathered TogetherLondon: Routledge Douglas, T. (1995) Survival In Groups: The Basics of Group MembershipBuckingham: Open University Press Dynes, R. (1990) Creative Games in GroupworkGreat Britain: Winslow Press Garland, J. Jones, H. and Kolody, R. (1968) `A model for stages of development in social workgroups` in Bernstein, S. (Ed.) Explorations in GroupworkBoston: Boston University School of Social Work Heap, K. (1977) Group Theory for Social WorkersGreat Britain: Pergamon Press Konopka, G. (1963) Social Group Work : a Helping Process Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice Hall Leech, N. and Wooster, A. D. (1986)Personal and Social Skills A Practical Approach for the ClassroomGreat Britain: RMEP Massallay, J. L. (1990) `Methods, Techniques and Skills of Youth and Community Work: Community Action and Group Work` Chapter 4. In Osei-Hwedie, K., Mwansa, L-K. and Mufune, P. (Eds.) Youth and Community Work PracticeZambia: Mission Press Osei-Hwedie, K., Mwansa, L-K. and Mufune, P. (1990) Youth and Community Work Practice: Methods, Techniques and SkillsZambia: Mission Press Piven, F. F. and Cloward, R. A. (1993) Regulating the Poor : The Functions of Public Welfare USA: Vintage Books Preston-Shoot, M. (1987) Effective GroupworkHampshire: Macmillan Rogers, C. R. (1967) `The process of basic encounter group` In Bugental, J. F. T. (Ed.) TheChallenges of Human PsychologyNew York: McGraw-Hill Sessoms, H. Massachusetts, D. and Stevenson, J. L. (1981) Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation ServicesUSA: Allyn and Bacon Smith, M. K. (1994) Local Education: Community, Conversation, PraxisGreat Britain: Open University Press Taylor, T. (1987) `Youth Workers as Character Builders` Chapter 9. In Jeffs, T and Smith, M. (Eds.) Youth WorkBasingstoke: MacMillan Tuckman, B. W. (1965) `Developmental Sequences in Small Groups` in Psychological BulletinNo. 63 p. 384-399 http://youthworkcentral.tripod.com/sean3.htm

A Worn Path by Eudora Welty

The short story â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty depicts the struggle of a black woman in a white society. The protagonist in the story is an old black woman, Phoenix Jackson who travels through a worn path in the woods to acquire medicine for her grandson.The hardships she faces during her journey through the woods is symbolic of the struggle, she faces in her life as a black woman. Eudora Welty brings forth the notion that the fortitude, wisdom and courage of Jackson aid her in winning the struggle against a racist society.FortitudePhoenix Jackson displays fortitude when she faces hardships in her life, and during her journey through the woods. Phoenix was aware that it was dangerous to travel in the deep woods, as there were wild animals lurking in the forest. But still she decides to travel through the forest and calls on the wild animals to stay out of her way, â€Å"Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!† (Welty).The f act that the â€Å"The woods were deep and still† never deterred her from continuing with her journey. â€Å"At the foot of this hill was a place where a log was laid across the creek†, but Phoenix crosses the log with great dexterity. (Welty). It is the determination of Phoenix that provides her with the strength to carry on with her journey in spite of being faced by numerous obstacles in her path.Phoenix Jackson emerges as a wise woman who bears with her hardships patiently, hoping that the future will bring an end to her troubles. Even while her dress is caught up in a bush, she thinks that the thorns are carrying on their work, â€Å"Thorns, you doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass, no sir†. (Welty).She is wise enough to understand that the thorns were doing their duty and it was her duty to make her way through the thorns. She frees herself from the thorns, â€Å"Finally, trembling all over, she stood free†. (Welty). Instead of co mplaining about the impediments in her path, she endeavors to find a way out of them. She finds a way to pass through a barbed-wire fence, â€Å"spreading her knees and stretching her fingers like a baby trying to climb the steps†. (Welty). The wisdom of Phoenix aids her in overcoming the adversities of her journey and life.CourageAnother trait that aids Phoenix in her struggle is her courage. Even when the white man holds a gun towards her, she stays still. When asked by the white man whether she was frightened by the gun, she replies, â€Å"No, sir, I seen plenty go off closer by, in my day, and for less than what I done†. (Welty).Looking at her age, the white man advises Phoenix to stay at home so that she will be safe. But Phoenix refuses to listen and insists on continuing with her journey, â€Å"I bound to go on my way, mister.† (Welty). Phoenix never stopped until she reached her destination, â€Å"She walked on.† (Welty). Phoenix is a courageous w oman who faces the dangers in her journey bravely.ConclusionIn her short story â€Å"A Worn Path†, Eudora Welty brings forth the struggle of a black woman, Phoenix Jackson in a society where blacks were considered as inferior beings. The obstacles that she encounters during her journey through the woods are representative of the hardships she has to face in her society while leading her life as a black woman.With the aid of her fortitude, wisdom and courage, Phoenix emerges victorious in her journey through the forest and the journey of life. She reaches her destination after travelling through the dangerous forest. As far as her life is concerned, she is positive about her future in spite of the fact that she is struggling in the present times.Works CitedWelty, Eudora. A Worn Path. 2 March 2009.http://www.moonstar.com/~acpjr/Blackboard/Common/Stories/WornPath.html

Life After Good Essay Topics for Foundations of Sociology

Life After Good Essay Topics for Foundations of Sociology The Principles of Good Essay Topics for Foundations of Sociology You Will be Able to Learn From Beginning Immediately The thing is you will probably fail to finish a productive research paper with no interest in the explored issue. See whether any are appealing to you. From that point you'll be in a position to develop the very best idea. Talk about the sociological significance of the brief story Daisy Miller. The Tried and True Method for Good Essay Topics for Foundations of Sociology in Step by Step Detail Every great sociology essay creates a point about something which matters. The substantial value of sociology is tough to overestimate since we're constantly faced with it in our day-to-day life. Take excellent notes and remember sociology is all about concepts. A sociology essay ought to be factual since sociology is likewise an empirical science. Let's find out how it is possible to write a very good sociology paper. To begin with, it's required to understand this in order to understand how to compose a sociology essay, it takes quite a lengthy moment. It's quite hard to choose what you wish to write about, as sociology studies plenty of aspects and has plenty of topics to discuss, however we might provide you with a number of the topics to decide to write about in your research paper on sociology. Take a peek at our list of flawless sociology essay topics and elect for the one that you locate the most exciting. Simply take a look and see whether there are any research topics in psychology for college students which you would discover useful. As already said above, sociology is quite an elaborate science, so there's much specialized and statistical information within it. Arguments ought to be convincing and reasonable. Choice of a topic is extremely important, so think about something really surprising. You must know how you start your essays and the way you draw conclusions. It can seem to be an effortless job to select an essay but often with too many selections readily available, it becomes tough to hone in on one great question. Additionally, this issue of your paper needs to be interesting not just for you but also for your audience. Utilize our very best samples to compose nice academic papers. You are able to also write about the similarities between any 2 movements that happened in two distinct elements of the planet. Biologically, all of the human beings have the identical race. Speaking about this subject, it's important to mention the large impact the western civilizations produce on the rest of the planet. The impacts of the Jewish faith in the previous century. The Downside Risk of Good Essay Topics for Foundations of Sociology The impacts of domestic violence on children frequently have a long-lasting impact and certain elements help determine the personality development of the kid. Unfortunately, poverty is among the fundamental issue in modern society. Other ideas may include the fantastic debates in states hoping to add in gambling to raise the access to jobs, or in the event the present economic conditions have changed the values in the united states. Depending upon the portion of the planet, that you're conducting a research to analyze the root of poverty, you may find different reasons or causes of poverty. Quantitative data are usually numbers, example surveys and census may be a very good supply of such info. The information to be given is normally a confession. Some topics seem potentially intriguing but when you get started investigating them you determine that there's so little information available. If you're still in search, we'll be happy to aid you. Finding Good Essay Topics for Foundations of Sociology on the Web Following that, you might have a peek at essay structure. To finish a great research paper you ar e supposed to incorporate a good deal of references to reliable sources in your work. Hopefully a single day your essay will motivate you to find success. Your sociology essay is going to be delivered punctually and can be finished in no more than 8 hours for rush work.

The Monsters in the Epic of Beowulf Essay - 1831 Words

The poem Beowulf, believed to be written between 650 and 800 by a group of monks, contains several complex characters that have sparked discussions throughout the years. Scholars still continue to ponder over the unanswered questions about characters, such as whether Grendel is monster or human, whether Grendel is evil or not, and what the monsters in Beowulf signify. Other important, though less accepted questions include whether Beowulf is really a hero, or is in actuality a monster, and what allows the characters to be classified as either evil, or not evil. Because both sides of these arguments can be sufficiently supported with textual evidence, it is the reader’s responsibility to defend an appropriate answer. There are no†¦show more content†¦There is enough textual evidence provided in the poem of Beowulf for the reader to assume that Grendel is a monster, which few critics argue. As a means of backing this up, the reader can point out direct statements in the poem, for example, several times Grendel is called â€Å"†¦ a fiend out of hell,† who is trying to â€Å"†¦ work his evil in the world† (Beowulf 9), and a â€Å"†¦ God- cursed brute†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Beowulf 49). One can also utilize the direct descriptions of Grendel, for he is described as being strong enough to â€Å"†¦ grab thirty men from their resting places and rush to his lair†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Beowulf 11), which is hardly humanlike. Along with these direct statements that Grendel is a monster, there are several facts that are not directly stated, however, they are essential to Grendel’s classification. There are several indirect statements in the poem that help to classify Grendel as a monster. For example, there is much depravation in Grendel’s life that separates him from the other human beings of that time period. Such as the fact that Grendel is a loner, banished from society, which shows that Grendel has no human communications, which is doubtlessly not a humanlike characteristic. Grendel also has no father, but instead has only a mother, which is bizarre because many of the other characters introduce themselves as â€Å"son of ____†, and indeed, despite the fact that Beowulf’s father is dead, he is often referred to as, â€Å"†¦Show MoreRelatedComparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Beowulf937 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God throughout the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, It s hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elements are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf(Vengeance the Pagan and ChristianRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare939 Words   |  4 Pageswithout actually writing things down. These epics would be passed from one another through verbal communication and were based around different aspects of life for a someone of Anglo-Saxon descent. The story Beowulf is a perfect example of how Anglo-Saxons based their stories around their beliefs on how a hero should behave. Around the time the story was first told, people were often terrified of the horrible things in the world. The character Beowulf was built around how a hero would be representedRead MoreWhat Are The Characteristics Of Beowulf1458 Words   |  6 PagesOctober 2017 Beowulf Have you ever thought of being so strong that you have the ability to fight with a dragon and kill it? Beowulf, an epic written in England by an anonymous writer that tells how this powerful and fearless human being that fights monsters and dinosaurs with his bare hands and sometimes with weapons. An Epic is a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates heroic deeds and legendary events (Wiggins 39). This epic generally describes about how Beowulf was a greatRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Poem Derived From Old World Storytelling Traditions1090 Words   |  5 PagesMs. Michelle Boykin EH 203 (Fall 2015) First Essay: Beowulf October 5, 2015 Beowulf: An Epic Poem Derived from Old World Storytelling Traditions The classic poem Beowulf recorded by a monk during eleventh century A.D., and of unknown authorship, is thought to have been passed down over time through oral traditions of storytelling, popular during that period in history. Most likely the listeners and retellers of these types of these stories would have been warriors themselves, much likeRead MoreWhy Is Beowulf Considered A Hero?983 Words   |  4 PagesMay 2016 Why is Beowulf considered a hero? Beowulf, an epic hero of his time, has some people that don’t think he should be considered a hero, but I think otherwise. He killed many monsters, and creatures from various places, saving the people who live(d) there, and this is the definition of a hero, â€Å"a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.† That definition really describes Beowulf because of the outstandingRead MoreBeowulf the Hero1005 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf The Hero â€Å"†¦ A fiend out of hell†(Heaney 100). These words describe the monster Grendel, who is truly an evil entity. Only an epic hero with strength, courage and confidence is able to defeat this mighty foe. This hero’s name is Beowulf. He displays all of these throughout the epic. Beowulf’s first epic hero trait is confidence. Beowulf displays confidence when he talked to Unferth in the great hall Heorot. Beowulf said, â€Å"†¦but he will find me different. I will show him how Geats shapeRead MoreSymbolism Of Beowulf716 Words   |  3 PagesIn the epic poem Beowulf, Grendel who is the first monster Beowulf battles snatched up 30 men and it is to be said that beowulf has the strength of 30 men. Beowulf is an epic poem translated by Burton Raffel. In Beowulf there is three battles with three different monsters, Grendel, Grendels mother, and a dragon. The three battles have a symbolic meaning throughout the whole book. The three battles in the epic poem represent more than just two enemies fighting for victory, they are battles betweenRead MoreEssay Beowulf: Epic or Elegy?763 Words   |  4 PagesWriting Lab III Beowulf: Epic or Elegy? Beowulf is a poem written in manuscript form created in England sometime between the years 700 and 1000AD. The author is unknown to this day. Is Beowulf an epic poem or an elegy? An epic is â€Å"a long narrative poem in elevated style presenting characters of high position in adventures forming an organic whole through their relation to a central heroic figure and through their development of episodes important to the history of a nation or race† (HarmonRead MoreEssay on Monsters and Men in Macbeth, Beowulf, Frankstien1179 Words   |  5 Pages Monsters and Men (Unit Paper) For ages, we have wondered what is the difference between monsters and men that make them who they are. What are the characteristics that define a monster? Typically it’s the bad guy, the person or thing that comes into the story just to cause massacre or stand in the protagonist’s way. On the other Men are just defined as people who are the opposite of evil. There can be multiple people in a story who can be characterized asRead MoreEssay on Beowulf study guide1576 Words   |  7 Pages1) Describe how we find King Hrothgar and his response to learning that Beowulf has come to his kingdom. A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster. 2) In the beginning of â€Å"Beowulf,† King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell why