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This is the complete lecture note for SOC 205 Elements of Social Work. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: SOC 205 • Course title: Elements of Social Work • Course credit load: 2 SERIES 1: Foundations of Social Pathology and Social Work Series Outline • Part 1: Concept of Social Pathology • 1.1 Definition and Scope of Social Pathology • 1.2 Historical Development of Social Pathology • 1.3 Importance of Studying Social Pathology • Part 2: Major Social Problems and Pathologies • 2.1 Poverty and Economic Deprivation • 2.2 Delinquency and Crime • 2.3 Family Discord and Social Disorganisation • 2.4 Industrial, Racial, and Nationality Conflicts • 2.5 Mental Disorders as Social Pathologies • Part 3: Foundations of Social Work Practice • 3.1 Definition and Scope of Social Work • 3.2 Theories of Social Work Relevant to Practice • 3.3 Relationship between Social Pathology and Social Work • Part 4: Organisation and Functions of Social Work Agencies • 4.1 Public Social Work Agencies • 4.2 Private Social Work Agencies • 4.3 Social Security Systems and Their Role Introduction Societies everywhere face challenges that affect the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Issues such as poverty, crime, family discord, and mental disorders are not just personal troubles, they are social problems that require collective understanding and intervention. This Series
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS introduces you to the foundations of social pathology and social work, helping you to see how these problems emerge, why they matter, and how social work provides structured responses to them. By engaging with this Series, you will begin to appreciate the significance of social work in addressing the realities of contemporary Nigerian society. The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of the concept of social pathology, the major social problems it encompasses, and the theoretical and organisational foundations of social work practice. It intends to build your capacity to analyse social issues and to connect them with practical approaches used in social work agencies. We shall commence this Series by examining the concept of social pathology, including its definition, scope, and historical development. Next, we will explore major social problems such as poverty, delinquency, crime, family discord, industrial conflicts, racial tensions, nationality conflicts, and mental disorders. Following that, we will move on to the foundations of social work practice, considering its scope, relevant theories, and its relationship with social pathology. Finally, we will wrap up by studying the organisation and functions of social work agencies, both public and private, including the role of social security systems. This sequential flow will provide you with a comprehensive foundation for understanding social pathology and the practice of social work. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the concept and scope of social pathology, including its historical development and relevance to social work, • SLO 1.2 explain major social problems such as poverty, delinquency, crime, family discord, industrial conflicts, racial tensions, nationality conflicts, and mental disorders, • SLO 1.3 analyse the foundations of social work practice, including its scope and key theories relevant to addressing social pathologies, • SLO 1.4 evaluate the organisation and functions of public and private social work agencies, including the role of social security systems 1.1 Concept of Social Pathology 1.1.1 Definition and scope of social pathology The term social pathology refers to the study of harmful or abnormal conditions within society that disrupt the wellbeing of individuals and communities. It focuses on identifying social problems such as poverty, crime, and family discord, and examining their causes and consequences. The scope of social pathology extends to understanding how these issues affect social order and stability, and how they can be addressed through organised interventions. Fill in the blank: Social pathology is the study of harmful or ______ conditions within society.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing the relationship between social pathology, social problems, and social work practice. Caption: Figure 2.1 Relationship between social pathology and social work 1.1.2 Historical development of social pathology The concept of social pathology has evolved over time. Early thinkers viewed social problems as moral failings of individuals, but later perspectives recognised them as structural issues rooted in society. For example, poverty was once seen as laziness, but modern approaches highlight economic inequality and systemic barriers. This historical development shows how social pathology shifted from blaming individuals to analysing broader social causes. Fill in the blank: Early thinkers often saw poverty as a result of ______ rather than structural inequality.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 2.1 Historical perspectives on social pathology 1.1.3 Importance of studying social pathology Studying social pathology is important because it helps us to recognise the root causes of social problems and to design effective solutions. It also provides a framework for social workers to intervene in ways that promote social justice and wellbeing. By analysing social pathologies, learners can develop critical thinking skills and apply theories of social work to real-life situations. Fill in the blank: Studying social pathology provides a framework for ______ to intervene in social problems.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Image of a social worker engaging with a community group. Caption: Plate 2.1 Social worker addressing community issues Pilot questions 1.1 1. Define social pathology and explain its scope. 2. Identify one early view and one modern view of social pathology. 3. Why is studying social pathology important for social workers? 4. Fill in the blank: Social pathology is the study of harmful or ______ conditions within society.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 5. Explain how the historical development of social pathology shifted perspectives on poverty. . 1.2 Major Social Problems and Pathologies 1.2.1 Poverty and economic deprivation Poverty is a condition in which individuals or groups lack the resources necessary to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It is not only an economic issue but also a social pathology because it affects the stability and wellbeing of society. Economic deprivation often leads to exclusion from opportunities and can perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. Fill in the blank: Poverty is considered a social pathology because it affects the ______ and wellbeing of society.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing the cycle of poverty and its social effects. Caption: Figure 2.2 Cycle of poverty and social consequences 1.2.2 Delinquency and crime Delinquency refers to minor offences committed by young people, while crime involves violations of the law by individuals of any age. Both are social pathologies because they disrupt social order and create insecurity. Delinquency often arises from poor family structures, peer influence, or lack of education, while crime may be linked to poverty, unemployment, or systemic inequality. Fill in the blank: Delinquency often arises from poor family structures, peer influence, or lack of ______.
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