IGNOU MSW-001 Solved Assignment 2025-26 | Origin and Development of
Social Work
IGNOU MSW-001 Solved Assignment 2025-26 : English, The Master
of Social Work (MSW) program offered by IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National
Open University) is one of the most popular postgraduate programs in the
field of social work in India. Among its core courses, MSW-001: Origin and
Development of Social Work forms the foundation for understanding the
history, evolution, and professional practice of social work across the globe.
Every year,
IGNOU provides assignments for this course that are mandatory for all
enrolled students. For the 2025-26 academic session, the MSW-001
solved assignment plays a crucial role in internal assessment, as it
carries a significant portion of marks.
BUY PDF
& Handwritten
WhatsApp -
8130208920
📌 Importance of MSW-001 Solved
Assignment
- Weightage: Each
assignment carries 30% weightage in the final evaluation. For MSW-001, the
assignment is for 100 marks.
- Eligibility: You cannot
appear in the term-end examination (TEE) without submitting the
assignment.
- Concept
clarity:
Writing assignments helps students understand concepts deeply, especially
regarding the origin and development of social work in India, UK, USA,
and globally.
- Skill
development: Improves research, analytical, and academic writing skills which
are essential in professional social work practice.
📋 Assignment Questions for MSW-001
(2025-26)
Course Code: MSW-001
Total marks: 100
Note: (i) Answer all the five
questions.
(ii) All questions carry equal
marks.
(iii)
Answers to question no. 1 and 2 should not exceed 600 words each.
Q1. Discuss briefly the history of social work in UK and USA.
The discipline of social work has
its historical roots in the humanitarian, religious, and philanthropic
traditions of different societies. While the profession today is characterized
by its structured methods, theoretical underpinnings, and professional training,
its origins are deeply tied to social, political, and economic transformations.
The history of social work in both the United
Kingdom (UK) and the United States
of America (USA) reflects the responses of these societies to issues
of poverty, industrialization, urbanization, and social inequality.
History of Social Work in the UK
The
development of social work in the UK can be traced back to the Elizabethan Poor
Laws of the 16th century. The Elizabethan
Poor Law of 1601 was one of the earliest attempts by the state to take
responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. It categorized the poor into
three groups:
1. The
deserving poor (orphans, widows, elderly, and disabled),
2. The
able-bodied poor (expected to work), and
3. The idle
poor or vagrants (treated as criminals).
Parishes
were made responsible for providing relief, and this system continued for
centuries. While the law aimed at social control, it also institutionalized the
idea that society owed some level of care to its vulnerable members.
The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries)
brought major social upheavals. Rapid urbanization, migration to industrial
towns, child labour, poor housing conditions, and unemployment created new
social problems. The existing Poor Law system proved inadequate, and poverty
was increasingly seen not just as an individual failing but as a social issue.
This period witnessed the rise of philanthropic
organizations and reform movements. Notable among them were:
·
Charity
Organization Societies (COS) (founded in London in 1869): The
COS emphasized “scientific charity,” where trained ‘friendly visitors’
investigated the needs of the poor and tried to provide moral guidance along
with relief. This laid the groundwork for casework methods.
·
Settlement
House Movement: Inspired by Toynbee Hall in London (1884),
settlement houses aimed to bring educated middle-class workers to live among
the poor and help them through education, community work, and cultural
activities.
During the
20th century, the UK moved toward welfare-state policies. After the Beveridge Report (1942), which
identified the “five giants” (want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness),
social policy underwent a radical transformation. The establishment of the National Health Service (1948) and
expansion of social security marked the integration of social welfare into
government responsibility.
BUY PDF
& Handwritten
WhatsApp -
8130208920
The profession of social work in
the UK became formalized in the mid-20th century, with professional training
programs and statutory services. Initially, social workers were employed in
child welfare, probation, and health services. Over time, their role expanded
into community development, mental health, housing, and education. Today, UK
social work reflects a blend of statutory responsibilities, rights-based
approaches, and community-oriented interventions, but its roots lie in the Poor
Laws, philanthropy, and early voluntary movements.
History of Social Work in the USA
The history
of social work in the United States has parallels with that of the UK, but it
also reflects the unique socio-political context of American society. Early
influences can be traced to colonial
charity practices, where churches and local communities provided aid
to the poor. However, the profession began to emerge more clearly during the
late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Like the
UK, the USA experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization in the late
1800s. This led to overcrowded cities, immigration, child labour, poverty, and
poor working conditions. In response, two key movements emerged:
1. Charity Organization Societies (COS): The first
COS in the USA was established in Buffalo, New York in 1877. These societies
promoted “scientific charity” and emphasized investigation of cases,
record-keeping, and moral reform. They believed poverty could be alleviated by
reforming individual character and habits. COS workers pioneered methods that
later developed into casework in
social work practice.
2. Settlement House Movement: Inspired
by Toynbee Hall in London, the settlement movement in the USA began with Hull House in Chicago (1889), founded by
Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr. Hull House became a center for social
reform, education, recreation, and community organizing. Addams emphasized the
role of environment, community, and structural change in addressing poverty,
laying the foundation for group work and
community organization in social work.
The Progressive Era (1890–1920) was a
defining period for American social work. Social reformers advocated for child
labour laws, women’s suffrage, better working conditions, and public health
initiatives. Social workers were at the forefront of these reforms.
By the
1920s and 1930s, social work began to professionalize, with the establishment
of training schools like the New York
School of Philanthropy (1898), which later became part of Columbia
University’s School of Social Work. The Great
Depression (1930s) was another turning point: widespread unemployment
and poverty demonstrated the limitations of charity and voluntary services. The
New Deal policies under President
Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced social security, public assistance,
and welfare programs, institutionalizing social work within government
frameworks.
After World
War II, social work in the USA expanded further into mental health, family
therapy, medical social work, and school social work. Professional
organizations like the National
Association of Social Workers (NASW) were formed in 1955 to unify the
profession. Social work education also became standardized with accredited
programs.
In the
1960s and 1970s, the profession was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, War on Poverty, and feminist movements.
Social workers increasingly focused on advocacy, social justice, and
empowerment of marginalized groups. This broadened the scope of practice from
individual casework to structural change and policy practice.
Today,
social work in the USA is a recognized profession with licensure, professional
bodies, and specialization across multiple fields, including healthcare, mental
health, child welfare, criminal justice, and policy advocacy. Its history
reflects a constant negotiation between individual-focused interventions and
broader social reforms.
BUY PDF
& Handwritten
WhatsApp -
8130208920
Conclusion
The
histories of social work in the UK and USA show how the profession grew out of
social responses to poverty, inequality, and rapid social changes brought by
industrialization. While the COS
emphasized casework and individual responsibility, the Settlement House Movement emphasized community
empowerment. Both strands eventually merged to shape the core methods
of modern social work: casework, group
work, and community organization.
In the UK,
the Poor Laws, Beveridge Report, and welfare-state policies played a central
role, while in the USA, the Progressive Era, New Deal, and Civil Rights
movements were crucial milestones. Despite differences, both countries
illustrate that social work is not only about helping individuals but also
about challenging unjust systems and creating pathways for social justice.
Q2. Write a note on the scope and application of social group work.
Introduction
Social
group work is one of the primary methods of social work practice, alongside
casework and community organization. It is defined as a method that uses the
group as a medium of growth and change for individuals and also as a tool for
social development. The central idea is that through participation in group
activities, individuals learn social skills, gain emotional support, and
develop capacities for problem-solving and collective action.
Social
group work is not merely about assembling people together; it is a consciously
planned process where trained social workers facilitate interaction, encourage
cooperation, and create opportunities for members to address personal and
social issues. It is widely applicable across age groups, settings, and problem
areas, making it one of the most versatile and dynamic methods of social work.
Scope of Social Group Work
The scope
of social group work can be understood in terms of the fields where it is
practiced, the populations it serves, and the goals it seeks to achieve.
1. Fields of Practice
o
Educational
settings: Social group work is widely used in schools, colleges, and
universities. Group activities like study circles, self-help groups, and
extracurricular clubs help students enhance their social skills, cope with peer
pressure, and address issues like bullying and low self-esteem.
o
Medical and
psychiatric settings: In hospitals, clinics, and mental health
institutions, group work is applied to help patients share experiences, gain
mutual support, and learn coping mechanisms. Group therapy for substance abuse,
anxiety, and chronic illness management are examples.
o
Correctional
institutions: In prisons, probation, and juvenile homes, group
work helps offenders reflect on their behaviour, build positive attitudes, and
prepare for reintegration into society.
o
Community
settings: Community centers, NGOs, and welfare agencies often use
group work to promote community participation, women empowerment, skill
training, and awareness programs.
o
Industrial
and organizational settings: In workplaces, group work can be
applied for employee welfare, stress management, team-building, and improving
interpersonal relations.
2. Target Populations
Social group work caters to diverse populations, such as children, adolescents,
women, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, marginalized communities,
and people in crisis situations.
3. Goals and Functions
o
To help individuals develop confidence,
self-acceptance, and problem-solving abilities.
o
To promote interpersonal skills, cooperation, and
teamwork.
o
To provide emotional support through sharing of
experiences.
o
To address social issues like discrimination,
inequality, and exclusion.
o
To empower groups to collectively advocate for their
rights.
Thus, the
scope of social group work is broad, cutting across therapeutic, developmental,
educational, and preventive functions.
BUY PDF
& Handwritten
WhatsApp -
8130208920
Application of Social Group Work
The
application of social group work depends on the needs of the group and the
context in which it is practiced. Social workers employ various techniques and
processes to achieve the objectives of group work.
1. Therapeutic Application
Group work is applied in clinical and counselling settings to help members deal
with emotional or psychological difficulties. For example, support groups for
alcoholics (like Alcoholics Anonymous) or groups for people with depression
provide an environment of acceptance and mutual aid. Through interaction,
members realize they are not alone in their struggles, which promotes healing
and resilience.
2. Developmental Application
In youth clubs, women’s self-help groups, and senior citizen groups, social
group work is used to enhance personal growth, leadership, and social
participation. Group discussions, role-plays, cultural programs, and
skill-building activities help members explore their potential and contribute to
society.
3. Preventive Application
Social group work can be used to prevent social problems by raising awareness,
building coping skills, and promoting healthy lifestyles. For instance, peer
education groups in schools may focus on issues like drug abuse, HIV/AIDS
prevention, and reproductive health. Early intervention with high-risk groups
prevents escalation of problems.
4. Rehabilitative Application
For people recovering from illness, addiction, or incarceration, group work
provides a supportive environment for rehabilitation. Vocational training
groups, life skills groups, and reintegration programs are effective in
restoring confidence and independence.
5. Advocacy and Social Action
Group work is not limited to individual growth; it is also a powerful tool for
collective action. When marginalized groups come together, they can raise their
voices against injustice, negotiate with authorities, and bring about policy
changes. Women’s groups, labour unions, and community organizations use group
work strategies for empowerment and advocacy.
Techniques of Application
·
Recreational
activities: Games, drama, music, and art to encourage
participation and bonding.
·
Discussion
and role-play: To stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and
empathy.
·
Skill-building
sessions: Workshops on vocational skills, communication, and
leadership.
·
Therapeutic
techniques: Sharing of personal experiences, group counselling,
and feedback sessions.
·
Project
work: Involvement in community projects to foster responsibility
and teamwork.
The social
worker plays a facilitative role, ensuring that group dynamics remain healthy,
conflicts are managed, and the group’s objectives are achieved.
Challenges in Application
While the
scope is wide, the application of social group work faces challenges such as:
·
Resistance of members to participate openly.
·
Dominance of some members leading to unequal
participation.
·
Cultural and value differences within groups.
·
Lack of resources and trained professionals in certain
contexts.
Despite
these challenges, social workers use skills of observation, communication,
empathy, and group facilitation to overcome barriers.
BUY PDF
& Handwritten
WhatsApp -
8130208920
Conclusion
The scope
and application of social group work demonstrate its importance as a method
that bridges individual well-being and social development. Its relevance is
visible in diverse fields like education, health, correctional settings,
communities, and industries. By enabling members to grow through interaction,
mutual aid, and collective action, social group work fosters both personal
transformation and social change.
In today’s
context of globalization, social inequalities, and psychosocial challenges,
social group work continues to play a vital role in promoting empowerment,
resilience, and social justice.
3. Answer
any two of the following questions in about 300 words each:
a) Briefly mention the scope and importance of social work through ODL.
b) Present the concept of social justice and social policy.
c) Discuss the contribution of social work research to practice.
d) Write a brief note on social administration as a field of study and
process?
4. Write
short notes on any four of the following in about 150 words each:
a) Mention the NASW code of ethics.
b) What are the objectives of social work?
c) Discuss the importance of community work.
d) What are the essential components of social action ?
e) Write a short note on the roles of social worker.
f) Briefly mention the relevance of generalist practice in India.
5. Write
short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each:
a) Voluntary action
b) Moral development
c) Social reform
d) Community organisation
e) Open and distance learning
f) Social welfare
g) Values
h) Charity organisation society
BUY PDF & Handwritten
WhatsApp – 8130208920
📝 Assignment Guidelines for MSW-001
To score
good marks, students must follow IGNOU’s assignment writing guidelines
carefully.
✅ General Instructions
- Use foolscap
size (A4) paper for writing assignments.
- Write answers
in your own handwriting; typed answers are usually not accepted
unless otherwise instructed.
- Leave 4 cm
margins on the left side for examiner’s comments.
- Use black
or blue ink only.
✅ Word Limit
- Long answers
(Q1 & Q2): Around 600 words.
- Shorter
answers (Q3–Q5): Around 400 words each.
✅ Presentation Style
- Write in a clear,
legible handwriting.
- Divide answers
into introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Use headings,
bullet points, and sub-sections for better clarity.
- Avoid copying
directly from study materials—use your own understanding.
✅ Plagiarism Rule
Assignments
should be original. IGNOU checks for plagiarism, and copied assignments
may lead to rejection.
📅 Last Date of Submission – IGNOU MSW-001 Assignment 2025-26
- For July 2025
Session: 31st
March 2026
- For January
2026 Session: 30th September 2026
(Students
are advised to check the latest official IGNOU notification or contact their
study centre for confirmation.)
📂 Where to Submit MSW-001 Assignment?
- Submit the
assignment at your respective IGNOU Study Centre.
- Keep a receipt/acknowledgment
slip signed by the coordinator after submission.
- Do not send
assignments directly to IGNOU Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
🎯 How to Write MSW-001 Assignment Effectively?
1.
Read the
Study Material Carefully – The
answers must be based on the official IGNOU study blocks.
2.
Understand
the Question – Break
down the question into parts before writing.
3.
Use Simple
Language – Avoid
jargon; use examples wherever possible.
4.
Structure
Your Answer –
o
Introduction: Define the concept
o
Body: Detailed explanation with examples
o
Conclusion: Summarize in 3–4 lines
5.
Stay Within
Word Limit – Avoid
writing less or too much.
6.
Revise
Before Submission – Correct
spelling, grammar, and formatting.
BUY PDF
& Handwritten
WhatsApp -
8130208920
