What is Society

Before knowing about social work, we may have to know about society, which is defined as under.

Society

“A voluntary association of individuals for common objects is called society”.

According to Cambridge Dictionary “A large group of people who live together in an organized way, making decisions about doing and sharing the work that is need to be done. All the people of a city or a country can be referred as society.

Society is also known as community. It can be classified into two major types.

a. Rural Community

b. Urban Community.

The difference between rural and urban community is given as under:

(i) As per meaning

An area located in the outskirts is known as rural area while an area where the population is very high and has the features of a built environment is known as Urban area.

(ii) Including’s

Rural area includes villages and hamlet.

Urban Area includes cities and towns.

(iii) Life Style

In Rural areas, the life is very simple and relaxed.

In Urban areas, the life is very fast and complicated.

(iv) Environment

  In rural areas, there is direct contact with nature.

In urban areas, there is great isolation from nature.

(v) Associated with

The rural areas are associated with agriculture and livestock.

The urban areas are associated with trades, commerce and provisions of services etc.

(vi) Population

Rural areas are sparsely populated.

Urban areas are densely populated .

(vii) Development

Rural areas are developed randomly that is based on the availability of the natural vegetation and the fauna in the area.

Planned settlement exists in urban areas that are developed according to the process of urbanization and the industrialization.

(viii) Social Mobility

In rural areas social mobility is less intensive.

In urban areas the social mobility is highly intensive.

(ix) Division of labour

In rural areas this concept does not exist.

In urban areas division of labour present at the time of Job allotment.

Social Welfare

It is the combination of society and its betterment. Social welfare is done when society goes towards prosperity. Its purpose is the well-being of entire society.

Ingredients of Social Welfare

Standard of living

Quality of life.

Quality of environment (Air, Soil, Water).

Level of crime.

Extent of Drug abuse.

Availability of essential social services.

Religious and spiritual independence.

Political independence & independence in oration.

Definition of Social Welfare

(a) Organized public or private social services for assistance of disadvantaged groups of our society.

(b) The welfare of the society especially for these who are underprivileged and disadvantaged because of poverty, poor education and unemployment.

Purpose/Objectives

Social welfare or public charity is organized for the provision of educational, cultural, medical and financial assistance to the poor and needy people.

Scope of Social work in Pakistan

It has a vide scope in Pakistan. There are a lot of social, cultural, political and economic problems in our society which can be solved with the help of social work. Our Government has to take some bold steps to overcome this situation.

Historical Evaluation of social work in Our Country

In 1951, Pakistan Government sought the assistance of UN with a concept to formulate a social welfare program to benefit a free country. After a year first batch of UN Social Welfare Consultants arrived in Karachi and a new era of social welfare commenced in Pakistan. Due to lack of social workers in Pakistan they suggested Government to train the people for the purpose of social work as it was important for the proper implementation on the projects and plans for social work.

In 1953, on the adverse of the UN adviser Government of Pakistan initiated first social welfare program in Health department.

In the beginning of social welfare concept in Pakistan, the Government’s responsibilities are confined to impairing social work training, encouraging volunteering agencies and sponsoring the rural and urban development projects.

National Planning Commission

The Government of Pakistan created a planning board in 1953 to prepare the strategy for the economic development in the country. Its purpose was to investigate social problems and needs, arising out due to social and economic development in the country. They worked on various social policies and legislation in the various fields and proposed a five year plan for social welfare. Later on, this board was named as National Planning Commission.

National Council of Social welfare

It was established in 1956 to stimulate the welfare activities of voluntary organizations by providing it financial assistance and consultative services. Subsequently, provincial councils were formed in the provinces for the purpose of helping the voluntary welfare agencies both in the expression and co-ordination.

Directorate General of Social Welfare

It was established in 1962. In West Pakistan, it was established in September 1964. Its purpose was to monitor and look after the other social welfare organizations working in the country.

Social Welfare Department

After the dismemberment of one unit in West Pakistan in July, 1970, the former provinces of Punjab, Sindh, KPK (NWFP) and Baluchistan were revived. As the result, West Pakistan Directorate General of Social Welfare and West Pakistan Council of social Welfare were bifurcated into four parts. One Directorate and one Council were established in each province. In other words, two organizations were set up in the provinces and under the central of Government. In 1979 a separate department of social welfare was established. Afterwards in 1996, the segment of women Development and in 1998 the segment of Bait-Ul-Maal was also attached with social welfare department. In 2012, the separate department of women Development was established in the country and the segment of women development were separated from social welfare Department and Bait-Ul-Maal department.