1.     Course Title

GENDER ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK

Course Code

GISW 2602

NQF Level

6

Notional Hours

100

NQF Credits

10

Prerequisites

NONE

Option (compulsory/Elective)

Compulsory

Semester Offered

2

Module description

The module examines the integration of a gender perspective in social work education and practice. It explores how this may play a part in enabling students to ‘unlearn’ their gender stereotypes imbibed during socialization. Social work as a profession is dedicated to creating an equal and just society. Social work pedagogy combines an analysis of psychosocial, economic, and political contexts and methods of active intervention and administration of social welfare. Gender sensitization and awareness an integral components of social work education and training.

Module Aim

 

This module aims to help students understand the significance of gender in social work and the place of practice in generalist social work in Namibia and the Global world. Social work has a role in reducing gender inequalities in society. It is motivated by the concern that despite various attempts by the government and the relevant institutions to reduce gender disparities, inequalities persist. While political and legal equality between men and women has increased in most regions, there are still areas where progress in advancing gender equality has not been significant. Before discussing the forms of gender inequalities and other forms of sex discrimination that have persisted in society, it is perhaps important to distinguish the concepts of 'gender' and 'sex'.

Exit learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module, the student social worker should be able to:

  1. Examine the methods and approaches used in  gender and history,
  2. Demonstrate the important issues that facilitate an understanding of gender, inequalities, and injustices, and rethink the role of women in the establishment of the social work profession.
  3. Explain various historical developments with an impact on women and their position and role in social work.
  4. Explore how gender in social work is constructed.
  5. To imbibe the concept of gender, to look at women  not only as individual entities but also as men, and the way relations between the two are socially constructed

Course Content

 

 

 

 

 

Study Unit 1: Basic Concepts of Sex and Gender

Gender identities

Gender Practices

Ways in which gender is localized

Study Unit 2: Social Work and Gender

Role of social work in gender and development

Role of social workers in promoting gender equality

Role of a social worker in gender-based violence

Study Unit 3: History of Feminism and Feminist Approach in Social Work.

Historical origin of feminist theory in social work

Feminist approach to social work

Feminism's influence on social work practices

Study Unit 4:Policy and Practice of Gender Development in Namibia

Gender Development Policy in Namibia

Study Unit 5: Psychotherapeutic model for practice and education that allows for balanced gender sensitivity and existing models for more effective assessment and intervention.

Gender-sensitive psychotherapy

Approach to gender sensitivity

Psychotherapeutic theoretical approach

Gender-sensitive interventions

 

Methods of Facilitating

Learning

Learning will be facilitated through the following activities:  classroom lectures, assignments, and presentations.

Assessment Strategy

 

Assessment will consist of Continuous Assessment (CA) and an end-of-semester examination. The CA is made up of class tests, and assignments/projects contributing 40% towards the final mark, while the end-of-semester examination contributes 60%. A minimum final mark of 50% is required to pass the module.

Quality Assurance

Arrangement

Moderation of final examinations will be done by the Assessment policy and procedures of Welwitchia University.  Regular review and consultations will also take place.

Student Support and

Learning Resources

 

 

 

The Resource Centre is available to the students 

Prescribed Learning Resources:

Gender and Social Work, Positions and Practices, Malathi A, Meenu A, Prof. Zubair Meenai

Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression in Social Work Practice, Deana F. Morrow, By (author)  Lori Messinger, 2006

Recommended  Learning Resources:

Journal of Social Work Education Volume 32, 1996 - Issue 2

Professional Social Work in East Africa. Towards Social Development, Poverty Reduction, and Gender Equality

Helmut Spitzer, Janestic M Twikirize, Gidraph G Wairire 2014