ANNUAL EDITIONS: Social Welfare and Social Work 00/01, Second Edition
UNIT 1. History of Social Problems and Social Welfare1. Bethlem/Bedlam: Methods of Madness?, Roy Porter, History Today, October 1997.
"Bedlam" is a name historically linked to the first psychiatric facility in England--a linkage that has a distinctly negative connotation. Roy Porter dispels that image as erroneous and presents an enlightening historical analysis of how earlier generations cared for those believed to be insane or mad. 2. Roslyn's Mutual Aid Lodges: Between Assimilation and Cultural Continuity, 1887-1940, Deborah Jo Burnham, Journal of the West, October 1997.
Though not as formally structured as settlement houses in large cities, mutual aid societies, as well as ethnic and religious self-help organizations, performed an essential role in the assimilation of immigrants into the United States during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This description of one such lodge in Roslyn, Washington, is a classic example of how these lodges functioned and what social services they provided. New! 3. "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum", James R. Chiles, Smithsonian, August 1998.
The problems of poverty and homelessness have existed in every generation throughout our nation's history. James Chiles offers us a graphic and unromantic version of the life of the "hobo" before and during the Great Depression of the 1930s. New! 4. Every Picture Tells a Story, Daniel D. Huff, Social Work, November 1998.
Many social reformers during the early decades of the twentieth century used the medium of black and white photography to chronicle the horrible living conditions forced upon people in urban ghettos and in the rural countryside, as well as the inhumane work environments found in mines and in factories throughout America. In this article, Daniel Huff summarizes the contributions of these early "social photographers." New! 5. When the Laws Were Silent, William H. Rehnquist, American Heritage, October 1998.
Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, authorized the physical removal and internment of ethnic Japanese living along the West Coast. William Rehnquist, the chief justice of the United States, describes the historical context of this embarrassing chapter in our nation's history. He portrays in personal terms the obvious racial discrimination and clear violation of civil rights that occurred. UNIT 2. Current Social Problems: Poverty and Discrimination6. Poverty 101: What Liberals and Conservatives Can Learn from Each Other, David Kuo, Brookings Review, Fall 1997.
David Kuo's admonition to conservatives and liberals to listen to each other also serves as a useful overview of the problem of poverty in the United States. This article contains important background information to help in understanding the issues surrounding options for welfare reform. 7. D.C.'s Indentured Servants, Martha Honey, The Progressive, December 1997.
True poverty, which is the lack of a reasonable amount of financial resources, is not confined to the unemployed, the homeless, and the single parent. Martha Honey demonstrates that poverty also exists in unexpected places: in the nation's capital among the employed foreign domestic servants. New! 8. Government Can't Cure Poverty, Robert L. Woodson Sr., USA Today Magazine (Society for the Advancement of Education), January 1998.
In this article, Robert Woodson provides a conservative perspective on the problem of poverty and the role of the social welfare system. He argues for a neighborhood and community-based approach that emphasizes citizen empowerment and individual, rather than governmental, initiatives. 9. Counting Race and Ethnicity: Options for the 2000 Census, Judith Lichtenberg, Suzanne Bianchi, Robert Wachbroit, and David Wasserman, Report from the Institute for Philosophy & Public Policy, Summer 1997.
The issue of identity according to race and ethnic heritage is complicated even further when one accepts the fact that some Americans are multiracial and multiethnic by birth. This article explores this current controversy, especially in light of its implications for the 2000 Census. 10. Of Race and Risk, Patricia J. Williams, The Nation, December 29, 1997.
Based on her personal experience in applying for a home mortgage, Patricia Williams discovered that the new rhetoric on race substitutes "risk" for "race." In this scenario, banks can deny mortgages to African Americans, not because they are racially inferior, but because they contribute to the economic devaluation of neighborhoods by causing "white flight." 11. In Defense of Affirmative Action, Chang-Lin Tien, USA Today Magazine (Society for the Advancement of Education), November 1997.
The recent decision by the University of California Board of Regents to end the use of race, ethnic identity, and gender in admission decisions called into question the very nature of affirmative action. In this essay, Chang-Lin Tien, a Chinese immigrant and former chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, appeals for rationality, sensitivity, and a return to the ideal of true diversity within an educational environment. New! 12. Service Redlining: The New Jim Crow?, Chevon Fuller, Civil Rights Journal, Fall 1998.
The term "redlining" refers to the illegal practice within the real estate industry of limiting access to certain properties if the potential home buyers are minorities of color. Chevon Fuller expands that definition more generally, and questions whether corporate America is, in effect, refusing to provide essential goods and services to minorities living in low income neighborhoods. New! 13. The War between Men and Women, Robert Sapolsky, Discover, May 1999.
As a result of continuing scientific discoveries, Robert Sapolsky proposes that some of the tension between males and females might have to do with deeply imprinted and conflicting evolutionary goals for their offspring. If true, this theory might be helpful in clarifying the problem of gender bias and discrimination in our society. 14. Homosexuality across Cultures: Sensitizing Social Workers to Historical Issues Facing Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth, David Skiba, Social Work Perspectives, Spring 1997.
Various forms of discrimination against gay men, lesbian women, and bisexual individuals are chronicled regularly in the popular press. This article provides a broad overview of homosexuality from various definitional, theoretical, and cultural perspectives, and is particularly relevant to social work practice. UNIT 3. Social Security and Welfare ReformNew! 15. Missed Opportunity, Steve Forbes, The American Enterprise, November/December 1997.
In his usual uncomplicated style, Steve Forbes, former presidential candidate, argues for the private market approach to fix both the Social Security and Medicare programs. He frowns on the "bunker mentality" of Congress, and foresees a future of continuing growth and opportunity for all. 16. A Critique of the Case for Privatizing Social Security, John B. Williamson, The Gerontologist, October 1997.
The strategy of privatizing the Social Security program is by no means universally accepted, since many believe that its most important aspect is its ability to redistribute some wealth among all classes of the aged. John Williamson argues forcefully that low-wage workers particularly could be hurt by such a systemic change. New! 17. Don't Go It Alone, Mortimer B. Zuckerman, U.S. News & World Report, March 15, 1999.
Moritmer Zuckerman gives what he calls a "hard look" at one of the current solutions proposed to save Social Security from bankruptcy. In this brief article, he disputes the plan to invest the Social Security trust funds in the stock market on both theoretical and pragmatic grounds. 18. Welfare Reform Legislation Poses Opportunities and Challenges for Rural America, Peggy J. Cook and Elizabeth M. Dagata, Rural Conditions and Trends, Volume 8, Number 1, June 1997.
This article presents a very practical overview of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), particularly as it affects rural communities. Key provisions of PRWORA are outlined, including the initiation of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and changes in related poverty programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and food stamps. New! 19. Why Welfare Reform Is Working, Daniel Casse, Commentary, September 1997.
Daniel Casse provides a comprehensive overview of the immediate impact of the welfare reform legislation and concludes that its many positives far outweigh its negatives. He challenges skeptics to view the new law as a commitment to family, work, and responsibility. New! 20. Welfare to Work: What Happens When Recipient Meets Employer?, Aaron Steelman, The American Enterprise, January/February 1998.
Using a case study approach, Aaron Steelman highlights several corporate programs that have been successful in removing clients from the welfare rolls. He argues for a more intense involvement of the private sector in the Welfare to Work Partnership initiatives on the principle of "enlightened self-interest." New! 21. Welfare's Fatal Attraction, James L. Payne, The Public Interest, Winter 1998.
In this article, James Payne assumes a moderate stance on the issue of welfare reform, and proposes that we view the family, rather than the government or the individual, as the primary source of assistance in time of economic or personal need. New! 22. Beyond the Welfare Clock, Jonathan Walters, Governing, April 1999.
Jonathan Walters documents the unexpected finding that states are dropping most recipients from the welfare rolls because of strict enforcement of the work requirements, and not because the clients have reached their maximum time limit. He concludes that there is a need both for firmness and flexibility in how the new policies are applied. New! 23. Welfare and the "Third Way", Peter Edelman, Dissent, Winter 1999.
Entering the discussion from the liberal side, Peter Edelman concludes that the welfare reform legislation has destroyed an existing safety net for the poor and vulnerable, which was already badly patched. He pleads for a healthier balance between the private sector and government in providing for those in desperate need. New! 24. Left Behind, Alexandra Starr, The Washington Monthly, April 1999.
Citing immigration irregularities and cultural factors unique to Hispanic women, Alexandra Starr reports that Latina women are seriously disadvantaged in the current movement from welfare to work. She argues for more comprehensive, culturally-relevant training programs for this specialized group of poor women. New! 25. Welfare to Work: A Sequel, Jason DeParle, New York Times Magazine, December 28, 1997.
In a highly personalized account, Jason DeParle continues to trace the odyssey of one African American family struggling, and failing, in the welfare to work maze. The role of men is introduced and referred to as one of the "great missing elements of the welfare debate." New! 26. Now, the Hard Part of Welfare Reform, Alexandra Marks, The Christian Science Monitor, April 6, 1999.
This article reports on the nagging fear of many social welfare professionals: While welfare rolls are decreasing at significant rates, it is at an unacceptable human cost, particularly to children and to the most vulnerable of the poor. Alexandra Marks asks how the most chronically dependent will be able to move into the job market. UNIT 4. Social Services in Family and Child WelfareNew! 27. Q: Are Single-Parent Families a Major Cause of Social Dysfunction?, Patrick Fagan and Stephanie Coontz, Insight, December 8, 1997.
Trying valiantly not to "blame the victim," Patrick Fagan proposes that the single parent family is both the cause and the symptom of social disintegration in the United States. He also implies that the existence of the single parent family can be traced to significant relationship changes in society between men and women. New! 28. Father's Day Every Day, Elaine Stuart, State Government News, August 1998.
In this concise review of national programs, Elaine Stuart summarizes the variety of initiatives undertaken by states to encourage fathers, whether married or not, to help stabilize their families. Relevant statistics and resources are provided. 29. Youth at Risk: Saving the World's Most Precious Resource, Gene Stephens, The Futurist, March/April 1997.
Gene Stephens presents a realistic appraisal of the range of problems facing children and teenagers in the United States: adolescent pregnancy, poverty, poor health care, abuse and neglect, school truancy and dropping out, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, and generalized despair. Stephens offers communities a practical plan of action for responding to these problems with appropriate social services. 30. Weapon-Carrying and Youth Violence, Randy M. Page and Jon Hammermeister, Adolescence, Fall 1997.
Drawing the parallel between the easy availability of firearms and youth violence, Randy Page and Jon Hammermeister demonstrate the urgent societal need to confront this situation, particularly in school environments. New! 31. Measuring and Monitoring Children's Well-Being across the World, Arlene Bowers Andrews and Asher Ben-Arieh, Social Work, March 1999.
This article provides an international perspective on children's lives, particularly on their health and safety. Arlene Bowers Andrews and Asher Ben-Arieh issue a call for the continuing collection of more information about the state of the world's children in order to influence appropriate national policies and programs. New! 32. Beyond the Boundaries of Child Welfare: Connecting with Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Family Violence and Mental Health Systems, Spectrum, Winter 1999.
Social service professionals have long realized the tragic interrelationship between problems of poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, and violence in family life. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these linkages as well as of the difficulties encountered when several social welfare systems attempt to coordinate their activities. UNIT 5. Social Services in Health, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and Corrections33. Universal Health Care Coverage in the United States: Barriers, Prospects, and Implications, Stephen Gorin, Health & Social Work, August 1997.
The idea of accessible and affordable health care for all Americans was the focal point of the early years of the Clinton administration. While that dream may have died a fast death when political realities set in, the need is still present. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the many issues and to the terminology involved in universal health care in the United States. 34. Safe to Talk: Abortion Narratives as a Rite of Return, Helen Susan Edelman, Journal of American Culture, Winter 1996.
Few would dispute the statement that abortion is one of the most private medical procedures for a woman. Helen Edelman brings to light the essentially emotional side of this issue by proposing that the varied stories and experiences of women who have experienced an abortion need to be heard. Whether one is pro-choice or pro-life, this article is enlightening. New! 35. The Chasm in Care, Josie Glausiusz, Discover, January 1999.
Josie Glausiusz provides an international summary of the latest information regarding the number of HIV cases and the availability of effective drug treatments. It is noted that the spread of HIV seems to accelerate in conditions of social upheaval and poverty. 36. Religion/Spirituality and Health among Elderly African Americans and Hispanics, Jacqueline M. Stolley and Harold Koenig, Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, Volume 35, Number 11, 1997.
In our drive to be ethnically sensitive and culturally aware in our interactions with people, human service professionals can at times forget that religion and spirituality are an intimate part of many people's lives. Jacqueline Stolley and Harold Koenig propose that the spiritual realm, especially among African Americans and Hispanics, must be appreciated and incorporated into any social service response to people's needs. New! 37. The Managed Care Experience: The Social Worker's Perspective, Holly A. Riffe, Social Work in Health Care, Volume 28, Number 2, 1998.
In this article, Holly Riffe examines the impact of managed care on the mental health system and on the social work profession's role within that system. 38. Lobotomy's Back, Frank T. Vertosick Jr., Discover, October 1997.
Its medical name is psychosurgery, but most people know it by its common name, lobotomy. This article provides a simple (and frightening) history of the admittedly cruel procedure that once used an ice pick to destroy selected areas of the brain. Ethical issues are raised in the light of recent technological advances that allow a modern version of lobotomies to be performed for specified mental health interventions. New! 39. Cultural Diversity and Mental Health: The Haudenosaunee of New York State, Kathleen A. Earle, Social Work Research, June 1998.
Focusing on the issue of cultural diversity, Kathleen Earle reports that there are critical differences between white and American Indian clients both in demographic variables and in attitudes toward mental health services. Findings indicate that different therapeutic approaches are required in social work practice contexts. 40. Pay per Plea: Public Defenders Come at a Price, Erin Middlewood, The Progressive, January 1997.
Why are indigent defendants being forced to pay for the legal services of public defenders? Due to shrinking state budgets and rising public caseloads, such fees are being charged in a growing number of states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin so far). Erin Middlewood questions the constitutionality of this disturbing trend. 41. Unequal Justice: Preserving the Rights of the Mentally Retarded in the Criminal Justice System, Fred Pelka, The Humanist, November/December 1997.
When a mentally retarded adult is accused of committing a crime, two distinct social service systems are involved, and they often collide. This article traces several people with mental retardation as they appear to be further victimized by the correctional system and abandoned by the mental health and mental retardation systems. 42. Private Prisons, Eric Bates, The Nation, January 5, 1998.
One of the latest and most controversial innovations in the correctional system is the move toward the privatization of prisons. Eric Bates critiques this transition as inherently flawed because of its reliance on profit, rather than rehabilitation, as an outcome goal.
