As discussed throughout this course, there are a number of theories underlying how policies are created, and how social values influence how policy decisions are made. One thing that should not be forgotten is that policies are created by human beings with their own sets of beliefs and experiences. Understanding this can help us, as social workers, to understand the values underlying policy decisions as well as how to advocate for policies that are in the best interest of the individuals and communities we serve. Read the article “Social Empathy: A Model Built on Empathy, Contextual Understanding, and Social Responsibility that Promotes Social Justice” and Chapter 14 in the text.
Segal, E.A. (2011). Social empathy: A model built on empathy, contextual understanding, and social responsibility that promotes social justice. Journal of Social Service Research, 37, 266-277.
Reflecting on this article, write a 1-2 page paper that: (1) identifies what you see as the challenges policy-makers face in creating policies that impact the lives of everyday citizens, (2) outlines what you might propose to improve the policy-making process (3) describes how social workers can play a role in that process, and (4) what social empathy might mean in terms of creating social welfare policies and programs.
