International Social Work
Susan Varghese, Ph.D., CRC
Profession of Social Work
• Own Experience
• People are not really aware about social work as a
profession- still focus on professions of medicine,
engineering and MBA.
• Lack of licensure and unified code of ethics, social
workers themselves are not able to present a unified
front, advocacy for the profession is not easy
• The salaries are extremely low
• No Benefits, often overworked and underpaid
• Want this to be interactive so please ask questions
Social Work in India
• First university with a course in Social Work started in 1930s in
Bombay (now known as Mumbai). The Tata Institute of Social
Sciences started the post-graduate degree in Social Work - offers
specializations
• However in India the law does not limit the use of the term social
worker to a professional social worker - confused with volunteering
• No licensing procedures yet - limited number of professional
organizations
• There is not much autonomy for social workers to make radical
changes. The degree of autonomy is determined by the larger
bureaucratic setting - (Work in vadala). Slum Dog Millionaire - same
slum. Many cultural and social factors.
Culture and Social Work
• India is a diverse country– Population - 1 billion
– Religion- 80 percent are Hindus, 2 percent are Sikhs, 14
percent Muslims, 2.4 percent Christians
– Languages- 22 major languages, and 22,000 local dialects.
• Urban-Rural Divide- 80 percent in rural areas, 20% in
urban areas.
• Caste system is still prevalent in the rural areas
• Women are at a lower position in society though that is
constantly evolving especially in urban areas.
Culture and Social Work
• Role of family in India - Counseling more with group/family
than individual counseling – KRIPA - family counseling
• Both culture and religion dictate the importance of family
• Aging is not seen as a problem. Elderly often are given the
most respect in a family and are authority figures- Joint
family system
• Interventions are often influenced by stereotypes, beliefs
about cause of illnesses, religious beliefs- Doctor patient
relationship study
• Hindu religion- karma (cause of their problems is often
determined by fate)
Challenges faced by a Social Worker
• Position of authority thereby making selfdetermination very difficult. Clients expect to
be told what to do. They do not question
social workers’ suggestions.
• Stigma and stereotypes are widely attached to
accessing social services.
• Issues like alcohol/drug abuse, child abuse,
domestic violence are often underreported.
Challenges Faced by Social Workers
• Clients are not always comfortable talking
about relationships especially family
• Lack of resources makes a social worker’s role
very difficult. One needs to find solutions
within the limited resources (Earthquake in
Gujarat).
• Politics which is closely tied to religion has a
big influence on what goals can be achieved.
Differences in Counseling
Between India and USA
• Client-Centered approach in the USA versus
Counselor-Directed approach in India
• Differences in family involvement
• Penn State experience - campus town,
diversity