Conservatives sometimes espouse the belief that more relief work should be done by charities and less by government programs and "entitlements." What are the limitations of charity work in solving the problems of the world? While social work values charity, why would social workers say charity simply isn't enough?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In global and international practice, it is important to see how charity might represent or mirror social injustices and inequities. Charity alone does little to challenge power differentials among people and forms of oppression. The recipients of charity are in no better position in the long run and often require more charity to fill their needs indefinitely. The programs and benefits may be little more than a Band-Aid until the next crisis hits. Instead, people in need are better off receiving the gift of empowerment-that is, the encouragement, knowledge, and resources needed to influence decisions and the decision-making processes. They should be educated to "see past the constructions of victimization." From a social work perspective, global and international social work are not simply a matter of providing money, goods, and services to those in need but also involve working with clients to advocate for and advance their rights and social-economic justice.