Is There a Connection Between Sociology and Social Work?
By Caitlin Glenn
At colleges and universities which do not offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work many undergraduate students choose a degree in Sociology in hopes that it will prepare them for a future in their desired field, but will they really be prepared for the actual problems that Social Workers meet on a daily basis? Some researchers believe that Undergraduate Sociology courses are too general to give the sufficient foundation that is needed for a career in Social Work and others believe that Social Workers should be experienced in all social sciences and not only Sociology. These researchers feel that Sociology courses are a good background for Social Workers but that there is too large of a separation between the two fields to allow students to cross over. There is often too much emphasis in Sociology courses on the student being the observer of those around and a career in the Social Work is frequently quite different. Students who are interested in a career in Social Work need to experience the practical problems that confront Social Workers of today.
mwalsh @ November 20, 2008