Social Work: Defined

Republic Act 4373, otherwise known as the Social Work Law, defines social work as a profession that is primarily concerned with organized social service activity aimed to facilitate and strengthen basic relationships in the mutual adjustment between individuals and their social environment for the good of the individual and the society, and by the use of social work methods.

In 1977, the Philippine Association of Social Workers came up with its own definition of social work as "the profession which fosters, facilitates, and strengthens basic social relationships in order to achieve the full development of the individual and society by the use of social work methods."

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) defines Social Work as the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal. Social Work practice consists of the professional application of Social Work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve processes. The practice of Social Work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interactions of all these factors.

Social Work is concerned and involved with the interactions between people and the institutions of society that affect the ability of people to accomplish life tasks, realize aspirations and values, and alleviate distress. These interactions between people and social institutions occur within the context of the larger societal good. Therefore, three major purposes of social work may be identified: to enhance the problem-solving, coping and developmental capacities of people; to promote the effective and humane operation of the systems that provide people with resources and services; to link people with systems that provide them with resources, services, and opportunities. 

References:
Lee-Mendoza, T. (2008) Social Welfare and Social Work. Central Book Supply
Bauer, J.B. (1979) Educating the Baccalaureate Social Worker: Report of the Undergraduate Social Work Curriculum Development Project, by Betty L. Baer and Ronald C. Federico. Ballinger Publishing Company