Essays and Research Papers on Social Work & Counseling

A 9 page paper that investigates substance abuse and its impact on families. The writer reports data comparing the rate of substance abuse in the U.S. between the 1960s and the 1990s, the impact on children when a parent is a substance abuser, the concept of screening by the primary care physician and the ...

5 pages in length. The writer discusses how social work has strayed from its original intent to provide blanket assistance for all low-income populations, as well as addresses the movement toward adopting psychotherapy as an industry standard. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines schools that have classes in fathering. The information provided addresses classes, professors, titles of classes, and all other information pertaining to the fathering classes available at universities and colleges. The paper primarily addresses early childhood, and childhood development classes as they involve parenting, which includes fathering and the skills necessary for fathering. Bibliography lists ...

10 pages in length. In today's society the shopping mall has replaced the town square or quaint Main Street of yesteryear. Shopping malls have become a self-contained society within themselves. With practically everything anyone would ever need contained under one roof, and with dramatically beautiful surroundings, the shopping mall has become the new mecca for teens to 'hang ...

This 8 page paper looks at how aging is viewed by a variety of cultures. American culture, along with Japanese and Hispanic cultures, is highlighted. Subjects discussed are retirement, elder abuse and euthanasia. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A nine page paper which considers the way in which groups define themselves and others in terms of insider and outsider culture, and the relationship between ethnicity, historical factors and generational issues to the division between Self and Other in modern cultures. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 10 page paper provides an overview of the profession, and takes a look at motivation to become a firefighter. Reasons why minorities and women are underrepresented are discussed. Bibliography lists 12 sources.

A 5 page paper which argues for International adoption. The paper discusses Chinese, and Russian adoptions, illustrating various conditions as they relate to ethics, logic, and claims as they address evaluations and policies. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 24 page paper discusses E.T. Higgins theory of self-discrepancy. The paper begins with a general overview cognitive social theories, then describes the differences between Higgins' theory and others. Higgins's three major categories as well as his six expanded categories are defined and described. The negative effects of the different discrepancies are also discussed. ...

This 6 page paper looks at the perceived and actual differences between experts and novices. The paper considers the definitions of the terms and how they are used and interpreted in different contexts and areas of study. The bibliography cites 7 sources.

A 5 page paper based largely on Raymond Friedman’s 1999 article “The Case of the Religious Network Group”. Defines a network group and provides background information. Describes the evolution of such groups from entities which were at first viewed skeptically by their respective corporations to entities which were eventually supported and even encouraged ...

A seven page paper which looks at the role of the elderly within the community, and the way in which various volunteer programmes not only increase motivation and self-esteem amongst elderly individuals but also work towards diminishing alienation in society as a whole and increasing social participation at all levels. Bibliography lists 5 sources

This 5 page paper looks at deviant behaviour and considers two of the reasons given for this in terms of social actions and reactions such as criminal behaviour. The paper explains the theories and looks to use examples to add to the understanding of the models. The bibliography cites 3 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at an article about cheating and relates it to sociological concepts. Systems theory and the theory of differential association are highlighted. No bibliography.

This 5 page paper focuses on the value of labor according to Karl Marx and his writings contained in Capital. Various concepts are discussed from the work. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page contention that the American nuclear family as a sociological model is failing. Lists current issues that verify that contention and suggests a change in attitude from the “us verses them” attitude which so characterizes today’s family to one which is not only receptive to receiving support but also to giving support. ...

A five page paper which considers the concept of the underclass within British society and looks at the way in which ethnic minority groups suffer greater disadvantage than the majority group in terms of their socio-economic status within the community. Bibliography lists 7 sources

6 pages in length. In a new twist to Ghandi's declaration that 'the measure of a society is how it treats its elderly, its children, its animals,' the aspect of social interaction has warranted closer examination as to the manner by which a society can be measured. Assessing the validity of the twenty-first ...

A 6 page discussion of the many issues surrounding abortion. Notes that despite the common perception of abortions being sought by strictly irresponsible women, the choice to have an abortion is not always cut and dried. Such choices can involve pregnancies resulting from rape, illegitimate pregnancies, pregnancies in which the mother’s life is ...

5 pages in length. Social work professionalism is inherently oppressive in terms of policy. At times it seems licensed social workers are working more for the agencies than they are for the client. Social workers are more in the business of social control rather than social change, for the most part because many social workers feel uncomfortable ...

14 pages in length. C. Wright Mills is well remembered for his popular work The Sociological Imagination, in which he set forth his views on how social science should be pursued. In his book, Mills calls for a humanist sociology. By this he meant a sociology that connects the social, personal, and historical dimensions of our lives. The ...

This 6 page paper looks at the role of the state, particularly as it pertains to Southeast Asia. Marx and Weber's ideas are explored. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 6 page paper focuses on the Northeast, but provides information on homelessness that is applicable to most situations. Reasons for homelessness are explored and solutions are discussed. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

6 pages in length. Bernard Williams, the Knightsbridge Professor of Philosophy at Cambridge University, believes that utilitarianism, while professing to protect the majority's quest for happiness, does nothing to promote individual rights. When assessing the Williams' concerns, it is important for the student to consider the fact that utilitarianism represents the belief that ...

This 6 page paper proposes that the new family structures inclusive of the single mother syndrome and the blended family is somewhat detrimental to future generations. However, the paper concludes that other changing social factors soften the influence and therefore the future is not necessarily dismal. Bibliography lists 2 sources.