IGNOU MSW-001 Solved Assignment 2025-26 : English

 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.

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📌 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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📝 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.

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