Social Welfare Policies and Service I

1. Discuss the historical trajectory of poverty in the US in terms of its causes, our awareness and responses. What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty? What is the difference between official and supplemental measures of poverty? 2. Discuss the importance of Charity Organization Societies and Settlement Houses to the development of social work. What were the historical tensions in our profession? What are the current tensions in social work? Discuss the importance of policy classes in a social work program in terms of the values of the profession. 3. Give a brief historical overview of SNAP. How is it funded? Who does and does not benefit from the program? What are the goals of the program, and how effective do you think it is in meeting its goals?