.”
Social Welfare refers to the structured network of social services and establishments that help
people and communities achieve fulfilling lives, good health, and interpersonal and social
connections that enable them to reach their full potential and advance their well-being while
balancing the demands of their communities and families (Friedlander & Apte, 1982). Examples
of such programs are SNAP, Housing Assistance, temporary assistance in the form of cash relief,
SSI, Medicaid, etc. Based on our readings for this week, it is evident that many Americans are
living either from paycheck to paycheck to survive or basically is just living in Poverty. It is a
situation where many are forced to make do or do without in these times and it is an overall huge
problem that at times, social welfare programs place a small band aid to cover. One area that
addresses this statement is that of people’s inability to afford rent because the cost of living
keeps going up. Being on housing assistance might be the answer to the many cries for help in
this area, however housing relief does not apply to everyone’s situation. It is interesting that the
writer speaks about Poverty is feeling like the government is against you and not for you
(Desmond, 2023). It appears there are temporary fixes for the situation, but the root of the
problem is never discussed so it is like a revolving door.
There appears to be an emphasis on citizens' actions in times of need rather than how the
problem can be corrected so that these issues do not continue in today’s society. It's interesting to
note that a focus on individual responsibility is rooted in the assumptions of the American dream,
which promotes the idea that if you work hard, follow social and moral rules, and take personal
responsibility, you'll be financially successful (Hahn & Simms, 2021). This leads to It is
perceived that if you are struggling, it is your fault, so do not expect the government to
completely assist you in these situations. It is quite awful to live in a country that operates in this
manner while the government and political entities claim to work for the people.
References:
Desmond, M. (2023). Poverty, by America Penguin, Random House
Friedlander, W. A., &; Apte, R. Z. (1982). Introduction to social welfare. Prentice-Hall, of India.
Hahn , H., & Simms , M. (2021, February 16). Poverty results from structural barriers, not
personal choices. safety net programs should reflect that fact. Urban Institute.
https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/poverty-results-structural-barriers-not-personal-choicessafety-net-programs-should-reflect-fact