Reflective Journal: Social Work Assumptions, Interview Analysis

This reflective journal explores the assumptions of social work practice based on an interview with a social worker. The journal examines fundamental beliefs that shape the field, including self-actualization, the importance of social relations, and the right to dignity. The social worker interviewed emphasized the belief that every individual has the right to achieve their utmost potential and that human behavior is understandable. The journal highlights the significance of respecting clients' rights, considering interpersonal and societal factors, and treating clients with respect while acknowledging cultural influences. The journal is based on the AASW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and also incorporates the social worker’s perspective on core values and beliefs. The journal provides insights into how social workers approach their clients and the underlying principles that guide their practice.

Running Head: SOCIAL WORK
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Social Work Practice
Reflective Journal: Assumptions of Social work
(Student details :)
4/16/2019

Social work
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Reflective Journal: Assumptions of Social Work
This reflective journal is based on social work assumptions which I have heard when I
conducted an interview of a social worker. I got to know that social work is usually built
upon various fundamental assumptions which actually assist shaping the direction as well as
course of the relevant field. In this context, as per my observed assumptions and opinions of
the social worker during the interview, social workers may have few important assumptions
related to the notions of helping different client groups within their social work practice.
Thus, understanding such social work assumptions is critically important for social workers
for respecting their clients’ rights in order to make better choices for themselves.
Prior interviewing a social worker, I assessed and studied the AASW Code of Ethics and
Standards of Practice of the Australian social work practice (Miller, 2018). While interacting
with a social worker he told me that most of the people choose to enter in social work as they
have strong personal beliefs as well as feelings which reverberate with their assumptions.
Besides, the social worker told me that they decides to pursue these core values and beliefs,
they usually make an important contribution towards the improvement of the lives of societal
people, groups and the whole society (Hogg, 2001).
In this way, based on (Knott, 2010), for identifying as well as challenging social-work
assumptions, one needs to believe their personal needs and values. During interviewing the
social worker he told me some major social work assumptions as follows:
I heard that concept of self-actualization is the major assumption of functioning as per the
social worker’s experiences. He also told me that major purpose of a human existence is the
self-actualization. Besides, I heard from him a social worker believe that everyone owns the
right of achieving their utmost potential irrespective of the class or background. The social
worker with whom I interacted narrated his assumption that key goal of the social worker is
to assist their clients meeting the inner power within the context of their present environs
(Miller, 2018).
In addition, during the interview with the social worker my realization and learning based on
interviewing his assumptions suggest that social work practice is an importance of social
relations. Besides, that social worker explained that life happens only within the broader

Social work
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context of society and hence considers all possible interpersonal and societal factors into
account while working with the daily clients (Miller, 2018).
With the help of his responses during the interview, I learnt that right to dignity is an essential
assumption of his social work. As per this assumption of social work practice, each and every
one owns the right to dignity, respect and independence. Besides, I experienced that being a
social worker he treats his clients with due respect as well as think through the multi-cultural
effects which might play an important role while interacting with diverse cultured clients
(Swann Jr et al., 2008).
In whole, from taking interview I learnt s many important assumptions of the social workers’
practice. Such assumption was human behaviour is understandable. The social worker whom
I interviewed assumed that every individual has their underlying reasons and motives for the
way they interact and act.
References
Hogg, M., 2001. A social identity theory of leadership. Personality and Social psychology,
5(3), pp.184-200.
Knott, C., 2010. Chapter 1: Reflective practice revisited. In C. Knott, & T. Scragg (Eds.),
Reflective practice in social work. London: Reflective Practice in social work.
Miller, A., 2018. What Are Some Assumptions for Working as a Social Worker? [Online]
Available at: https://work.chron.com/assumptions-working-social-worker-11836.html
[Accessed 2019].
Swann Jr, W.B., Bosson. & K., J., 2008. "Identity negotiation: A theory of self and social
interaction." 4th ed. London: Pearson.