The Domains of Sociology and Social Work
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Date
2019
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Department of Sociology and Social Work
Abstract
Discussing the differences and similarities between Social Work and Sociology has become extremely important against the background of confusion, misunderstanding and misgiving in the public domain. Some even think that Sociology and Social Work are the same. It must be categorically stated, from the onset, that Sociology and Social Work are not the same, although the two are interrelated. The two disciplines are basically concerned with human society and the social problems therein. They are therefore social sciences, although Social Work can be offered either under the Faculty of Education (University of Ibadan style) or the Social Sciences (University of Ilorin and others style). Sociology does not only provide the framework upon which Social Work is built, it also helps social workers to understand the socio-cultural contexts of problems.
However, Sociology and Social Work differ in so many ways, particularly, in terms of application and scope. While Sociology is more theoretical, Social Work is more practical. This does not, however, mean that Social Work lacks theoretical inputs and that Sociology does not lay emphasis on the application of sociological theories in addressing practical human and social problems. It only means that the extent to which both are practical or theoretical is a matter of degree. Thus, this chapter examines the nexus and differences between Sociology and Social Work. The chapter is divided into six sections. The first section looks at a brief history and development of both disciplines. The second section explores social problems as the subject matter of both disciplines. In the third section, the key concepts in both Sociology and Social Work are discussed. The fourth section looks at similarities and differences between sociology and social work as well as the common theories in Sociology and Social Work. The last chapter examines theories that are peculiar to Social Work.