Social Work Philosophy

Herbert Bison has described the philosophy of social work in detail in his book The philosophy of social work.
He has narrated the philosophy of social work by following basic thoughts.

Each individual by the very fact of his existence is of worth.
Human suffering is undesirable and should be prevented or at least alleviated whenever possible.
All human behaviour is the result of interaction between the biological organization and its environment.
Man does not 'naturally' act is rational manner. Man at birth is neither moral or immoral, social or antisocial. He is neutral and the behavior of individual is result of many forces.
There are both individual and common human needs. In addition to these needs every individual also has other needs and desires which are uniquely his. The social work believes that it is essential for individuals to have an opportunity to express these needs and desires in a satisfying and socially useful manner.
There are important differences between individuals and they must be recognized and allowed. Social work places paramount importance to individualization.
Human Motivator is complex and frequently obscure. It is the result of certain needs which initiates it, thus behaviors is the symptom of these causes. When needs are not fulfilled he feels frustrated and abnormal symptoms appear in his behavior.
Family relationship is primary importance in the early development of individual.
Having experience is an essential aspect of the learning process.
Social work rejects the doctrine of survival of the fittest instead it believes in the survival of the weakest.
The rich powerful are not necessarily 'Fit' while the poor and weak are not necessarily ‘Unfits’.
"Socialized individuals" is preferable to "rugged individualism" and social work believes in socialized individualism.
A major responsibility for the welfare of its members rests with the community.
All classes of persons in the community have an equal right to the social services there is a community responsibility to relieve adequate and without discrimination among the members of the community.
Public assistance should be based on needs. Social work believes that needs should be scientifically examined and after finding their validity assistance should be given.
Organized labor makes positive contribution to community life and should be accepted as constructive rather than destructive force.
Freedom and security are not mutually exclusive security and freedom is part of the same problem.
Social work has functionally dualistic approach. The case work and social action are two district methodologies. Social work operates to assist individuals in adjusting to the institutional framework of society and also attempt to modify institutional framework itself in required areas through social action method.
The social work believes on the development of insight and/or environmental manipulation for the purpose of modifying individual’s behavior.
Social work services should be provided by professionally trained social worker by both public and private agencies.
Social work accepts democracy as an important method and support to the attainment and maintenance of all civil rights.
Evolutionary type 'reform is both possible and desirable in our society'.
There is a need for social planning. Social work believes in the possibility of the intelligent direction of social changes in other words they recognize the need for and feasibility of social planning.