An investigation into the utilization of social group work as a method of intervention in social work

Abstract

Social group work as a method in social work is based on the premise that people experiencing similarities of psycho-social problems, similarity of need for help, and experiencing stress; if placed in a limited size group over a period of time, under the guidance of a professional social worker, tend to automatically interact. There is evidence that through interaction, they will discover the commonality of their situation or problems. This discovery will result in mutual identification which over time will result in a group bond where members develop a "we - feeling ". The "we - feeling" or group bond facilitates the development of resources such as mutual support, mutual control, identification, generalization, collective power and integration of solutions. Hence, social group work is based on the concept of peer support and mutual-aid of and by the group members. The rationale for the use of social group work is based on the c01mnonality of need to receive support, and stimulus in developing self-awareness. Solidarity and mutual aid becomes the core of social group work. Group work can therefore be looked at as a process where mutual aid is central and maximized. It is this solidarity and mutual aid that makes social group work a more prominent helping model as compared to social casework or one to one intervention. In the new South Africa, the current scenario in the welfare field is on the developmental approach based on human dignity, human rights, equality, respect, peace, democracy, mutual responsibility and cooperation. With this hm1 of events, social workers are confronted with the challenge of finding new methods and approaches of mobilizing change in order to raise the living standards of all citizen s. This sh1dy therefore seeks to show that group work is an important method which is central to all aspects undertaken by the social work profession. The study further endeavoured to establish reasons why social group work ( valuable as it may be) does not seem to be receiving the emphasis it deserves as a social work method. A descriptive design using both qualitative and quantitative approach was used in the study. A sample of I 09 respondents from the social workers employed in welfare agencies/organisations constituted the major survey, while 25 welfare agencies/organisations as well as 17 social work training institutions were selected to obtain more indepth information. The samples for the study was drawn from all the nine provinces that make up South Africa. Questionnaires and interviews were the major tools used for data collection. Literature review covering various aspects on development, professionalization and utilization of the group work method both in South Africa and internationally was integrated into the study. The central findings, indicated that:- group work is under utilized as a method of intervention in social work agencies/organisations although it has a great potential of success in meeting a variety of clients' needs both as individuals, groups and communities; that most social work agencies/organisations are still not developmentally oriented as more emphasis continues to be placed on casework which has become synonymous with social work; that the effective utilization of group work in service delivery can facilitate the aims of the RDP. This flows from the realization that group work and community work or community development have much in common in that both methods are developmental in their application. Against the highlighted findings, recommedations are that:- • agencies need to move away from over identification with case work and focus on action oriented methods. In service training on such action oriented method is essential. • The nexus between group work, community work and the RDP is to be realized and utilized to improve service delivery.