Indian Journal of Social Work Education and Practice (IJSWEP)
The Indian Journal of Social Work Education & Practice is an academic, double-blind peer-reviewed, open access journal which publishes theoretical and empirical research based articles in all the areas of social work education and related allied fields. The journal evaluates theoretical and empirical perspectives, debates and promotes trans disciplinary collaboration and invites rigorous research-based papers including review articles and book reviews from academicians, scholars, students, and professionals and practitioners. The Indian Journal of Social Work Education & Practice is managed and owned by the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi. The journal is published under platinum of open access arrangement, in that all charges for publishing the article is Rs.1500 (INR) will be charged from the Authors. The journal print copy published by Ronak Publication House Pvt. Ltd. Delhi.
Living and Working Realities of Migrant Garment Workers in Urban India: A Study of Delhi-NCR
The garment industry is one of the major sources of employment for migrant workers in urban India. A large proportion of workers in this sector migrate from economically weaker regions in search of better livelihood opportunities. However, despite providing employment, the industry is often associated with informal work arrangements and difficult living conditions. Understanding the socio-economic background and employment realities of garment workers is important for addressing issues related to labour welfare and urban inequality. The present study aims to examine the socio-economic profile, migration background, housing conditions, access to basic amenities, and employment patterns of garment industry workers in the Delhi– NCR region. The study is based on primary data collected from garment workers using structured interviews. Descriptive analysis was used to examine key socio-economic and employment characteristics of the respondents. The findings reveal that the garment workforce is largely dominated by migrant workers, particularly from economically weaker states. Most workers live in rented accommodations located in slum settlements, where overcrowding, sanitation problems, water shortages, and high rent are common. Access to basic amenities such as tap water and private sanitation facilities remains limited for many households. The study also highlights that employment in the garment industry is largely informal, with the majority of workers engaged in contractual, casual, or piece-rate work without job security or formal benefits.
INDIAN CINEMA AS AN INSTRUMENT OF INDIA’S SOFT POWER: CULTURAL DIPLOMACY, SOCIAL INFLUENCE AND GLOBAL PERCEPTIONS
Soft power, a concept pioneered by political scientist Joseph Nye, encapsulates a nation’s ability to sway others through its culture, values, and ideology (Nye, 2004). The emergence of soft power globally has played a key role in international engagement. It can influence perceptions and directly impact culture, values and ideas. India possesses a rich civilizational heritage that contributes significantly to its soft power resources, among which Indian Cinema occupies a prominent position. This paper examines the role of Indian Cinema as an important tool of India’s soft power and analyses its contribution to cultural diplomacy, global image-building and cross-cultural understanding. The study adopts a qualitative research design based on the thematic analysis of several secondary sources, including academic literature, policy documents and also provides a deep interpretation of selected Indian films. Indian Cinema has played a major role in the promotion of Indian culture globally. This global reach has helped in the portrayal of several social themes such as gender equality, education, family values and social inclusion. The study further argues that cinema can serve as an effective complement to conventional diplomacy by enhancing cultural exchange and fostering international goodwill. Finally, the paper concludes that Indian Cinema acts as a vital component of India’s soft power apparatus. Therefore, Indian cinema should be deeply integrated into India’s broader cultural diplomacy and international engagement strategies.
From the Iron Law of Oligarchy to Building a Heart of Inclusion in the Schools of Social Work
This conceptual paper exploresd isability-inclusive practices within global social work education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) to promote equitable and quality education for all. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the Iron Law of Oligarchy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and backward curriculum design, the paper identifies barriers such as lack of safe spaces and ableist practices within social work institutions. It critically examines implicit and explicit curricula, highlighting the intersection of social justice, inclusive pedagogy, and equity in professional training. The authors propose the HEART inclusion check framework, which emphasizes holistic learning spaces, equity in engagement, accommodative assessments, reflection-based realignment, and transformative curriculum to foster effective inclusion. Practical strategies like reflective teaching, creative learning spaces, and non-discriminatory implicit structures are discussed to empower students with disabilities while sensitizing future social workers to anti-oppressive practices.
Early Childhood Care and Education in India: A Social Work Perspective
This article reflects critically on some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead concerning Early Childhood Care and Education in India from a perspective of social work in the context of NEP 2020. It projects the crucial role a social worker may play in mitigating some of these systemic inequities and ensuring equitable access to quality services in ECCE. It advocates that there needs to be a social work perspective imbued within both the inclusionist and qualitative objectives set out by the NEP on early childhood education, examining, through a lens of the social determinants of learning, how diverse child populations are affected by cultural contexts and socio-economic disparities. Analyses in the paper stand on the shoulders of research and available policy frameworks with an understanding of India’s unique socio-cultural context. It points out the need for the sensitization of practice that addresses the specific needs of excluded groups of children and therefore the creation of an effective, sustainable system. Finally, the article calls for incorporation of the principles of social work in the development and execution of policies on ECCE at both national and state levels, positioning social workers as agents of change in the transformation of early childhood education in India.
Gender Dynamics and Sustainable Development in Melghat: A Comparative Analysis of Livelihoods and Environmental Governance
This study looks into the role ofgender in sustainable development by focusing on women’s empowerment in Melghat, India’s environmental management system. Inspired by Amartya Sen’s concept of “Development as Freedom” and Bina Agarwal’s insights in “Gender and Green Governance,” this research assesses the impact of enhancing women’s abilities and participation in environmental decisions. It aims to uncover how these efforts can lessen gender inequalities and foster sustainable growth. The study analyzes primary and secondary data to identify socio-economic and cultural obstacles hindering women’s involvement in environmental governance. It also discusses how these barriers affect sustainable practices in Melghat. The paper calls for comprehensive policies that consider the overlapping issues of gender, caste, and economic involvement. It suggests practical strategies to significantly boost women’s empowerment and ensure active engagement in developing fair and sustainable environmental policies.
Civil Society and its Impact on Curbing Communal Violence: A Study on the 2013 Muzaffarnagar Riots
Communal riots are not new to India, but the Muzaffarnagar communal riots in 2013 breached the scholarly wisdom of the past. The riots did not follow any of the precedents of wisdom established by scholars. Comprehending the Muzaffarnagar riots using a theoretical framework is extremely difficult because no single theory can embrace all the variables of the Muzaffarnagar riots. Muzaffarnagar riots are the culmination of all the social, political and economic events that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s. This article attempts to understand Muzaffarnagar using three major theoretical frameworks: Pual Brass‘s Institutional riot system, Varshney’s Civil society theory and Wilkinson’s Electoral incentive theory. Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013 culminated all the social, political, and economic changes that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s. This paper tried to gain insight into the Muzaffarnagar riots using the local sociological context.
Portrayal of Women Characters in OTT Platforms: A Gendered Analysis
Use of digital platforms accelerated in India much later than the west but gained prominence in a much shorter span of time, transcending various metrics in the world of digitization. The portrayal of women in cinema has always been a point of contention. The participation, performance and portrayal of women through the male gaze has raised questions of concerns time and again. With the advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, Zee5 and many others streaming services, along with their original content, web series culture in India is seen as a fresh way of narrating women’s stories, showcasing their realities. The emergence of OTT platforms has been able to break gender stereotype notions and have presented a new and refreshing way of presenting women characters and their stories. Women have struggled to find a space for themselves in every field and cinema has been no different. This paper has analysed some of the women-centric web series and parallel cinema through a gendered lens.
Effect of Field Supervision and Support System in Enhancing the Quality of Field Practicum in Social Work Education
Fieldwork practicum is critical in social work education for shaping MSW students into professional social workers. An ineffective fieldwork practicum deteriorates the quality of social work education. Because fieldwork practicum helps the trainees to experiment the acquired theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. Hence, this study examined the improvements necessary to bring a practical fieldwork practicum syllabus. For this, the paper examined the ‘activities’ performed and the ‘support system’ received by trainees during their fieldwork practicum. The study used an explanatory research design by conducting an online survey among 100 Master of Social Work trainees from Kerala. The variables selected to evaluate the effectiveness of the fieldwork practicum were Fieldwork activities carried out, Support systems, and Social work skills accquired. The hierarchical linear regression test revealed that the activities of the trainees and their support systems played a significant role in acquiring better social work skills during fieldwork. The mediation analysis revealed that the ‘support system’ is a decisive factor in developing one’s social work skills while performing different ‘activities’ during fieldwork.
Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents through Field-Based Action Project – A Case Study of Centre for Child and Adolescent Wellbeing (CCAW), University of Delhi
Health and wellbeing of children and adolescents is an important area in context of United Nations 20230 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” gives direction to leave no one behind. Within the context of SDGs the children and adolescent needs to be acknowledged and addressed at all levels. Many factors may impact their physical and mental health and overall being. Globally one in seven in the age group of 10-19 years, which comprise 16% of the world population experiences mental health issues (WHO, 2021). The adolescent age is a critical period in the life of an individual. There can be many direct or indirect factors which contribute to healthy adult life. In this context the paper aims to develop an understanding on various factors and approaches of health and well-being of children and adolescents and future outcome. The early age guidance and proper direction can significantly impact adolescents’ resilience, coping mechanisms, and overall physical and mental well-being. The social work interventions through field-based action project experiences are shared to discuss how through evidence based social work practices and intervention the children and adolescent wellbeing can be promoted. The research paper shares outcomes applicable to children and adolescent wellbeing in urban community settings. These insights aim to develop social work intervention plans in fostering well-being of children and adolescents.
The Constructs of Family Wellbeing: The Experiences of Chinese Families of Asylum Seekers and Refugees (ASRs) in the U.K.
This paper aims to determine how families, as a collective unit, perceive wellbeing and their pathways to achieve those constructs facilitated by social capital particularly bonds and bridges in the U.K. Five Chinese asylum seeking and refugee (ASR) families from the People’s Republic of China were recruited to participate in this study. By examining the different types and levels of support derived through social connections, this paper contributes to the understanding of subjective wellbeing and the unmet needs of these families. Thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) were employed as part of the data analysis process. It provided insights into how these five families pursue their own wellbeing priorities and the challenges they face in host country. The roles that social connections play in achieving wellbeing, and the impact of the apparent gaps in their social networks will be discussed. The paper argue that social work educators and practitioner need to aware of such experience and incorporate them into teaching and practice to advance social justice agenda.
Tradition and Turmoil: The Role of Cattle in the Lives, Culture, and Conflicts of South Sudan’s Dinka Society
The lives of the Dinka people of South Sudan deeply integrated with cattle. This paper delves into their existence around cattle camps, examining the complex dynamics and ensuing conflicts. The paper explores the traditional customs and beliefs to kinship structures and economic activities of Dinka tribe. Cow, often referred as Cattle, in several research articles are at the core of Dinka culture and serves as the source of sustenance and symbol of social status. The value associated with cow ownership and exchange are crucial for social cohesion and inter-community relations which is important to understand before conceptualizing any community development activity with the researched community. Additionally, the communal lifestyle of the Dinka fosters a strong sense of solidarity and collective identity. However, the resilience of Dinka culture has been tested by decades of conflict and displacement, driven by external forces that have deeply permeated community life, placing traditional lifestyles and cultural practices at risk. This paper also investigates the initiation of young individuals into adulthood and the community’s decisionmaking processes and discuss implication for social work education and practice. It outlines the division of labor among different genders and age groups. Through a thorough analysis of Dinka culture and conflict dynamics, the study illuminates the complexities of identity, resilience, and survival amid prolonged violence
Role of NGOs in Women Empowerment: A Case Study of CASA and CREA
The role of women in mainstream development is immense. The selfsustainable society is formed through women empowerment. The atrocities inflicted upon women are prevalent everywhere which needs to be tackled through an institutional process. The empowerment of women is located within a broad spectrum of gender equality which may be realized through a systemic approach. The preservation of rights of women is possible through an active participation of women. They may help in generating legal awareness and incapacitating women in their self-employment. Their role is very much visible in mobilization of internal and external resources. NGOs ensure political and economic independence for women through reducing inequality with men and thus putting advanced status for them. NGOs have been influential in shaping the current global policy framework on women’s empowerment and gender equality. The NGOs have also been spearheading the program of women entrepreneurship development so that economic freedom may be realized by them. Some of the NGOs have also worked on vocational activation program in order to increase their self-esteem, competence and freedom. This Paper is an attempt to highlight the role of NGO in empowering women through case study of Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) and Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action (CREA).
In Quest of Unity: Interrogating the Uniform Civil Code and its Ramifications on Religious and Cultural Rights in India
This article evaluates the protagonist’s arguments in favour of the uniform civil code (hereinafter referred to as UCC) treating the common personal law as an instrument to foster national unity and eliminate gender injustice against women. The principal argument in favour of UCC is that, if implemented it would bring greater justice to women, particularly those from minority communities. The article aims to provide an objective assessment of these claims. Considering the vicious political environment in the country it is imperative to re-examine the gender justice question in the context of the current political climate where hate has taken centre stage and secularism and minority rights have been marginalised almost. Furthermore, since the 22nd Law Commission of India invited suggestions, there has been anxiety and concern among various ethnic and religious communities about whether they will be able to maintain their cultural privileges. If UCC is implemented throughout the nation, it would also have socio-legal repercussions that will adversely affect social cohesion, tribal identity, and safeguarding minorities’ rights. The objective of this essay is to shed light on the current uproar surrounding how the proposed common personal law throughout the nation will undermine constitutional values, social cohesiveness and national integrity. The article also unpins the claim of the gender justice hypothesis as to how the proposed reform undermines women’s rights and liberties if UCC is implemented strictly throughout the nation.
Influence of Socio-Economic Status of Education and Employment Among the Youth Fisherman Community: The Study of Thiruvotriyur Kuppam, Chennai
In the world, India is the second most populous country with 1.27 billion people.65 percent of them are doing agriculture and its related work and it’s considered their livelihood and income source. Next to agriculture, the fishery plays a significant role in developing the Indian economy. But those who are involved in the fishing profession their economic status is very poor and mostly they do as a small scale industry since they lack knowledge of fishing and services available in the department to develop themselves. This situation directly attacks the development of youth especially from the age group of 15 to 25 years. These youth populations have not given any inputs by their parents and from other stakeholders. Even the Government &; NGOs are not taking any initiatives to make them aware of their policy &; program which is focussing on the development of education & employment opportunities. Fishermen have long hours of continuous work, which leads to the increase of drug consumption also. Hence, this study tries to understand the influences of social-economic status on the empowerment of youth specific to educational and employment empowerment and how it influences the psychological health of the individual.
Exploring Cultural Perspectives on Reproductive Health among Fisherwomen in Jammu and Kashmir: The Role of Social Work Practices
Fisherwomen in Jammu and Kashmir constitute an integral yet marginalized segment of the region’s fishing community, actively participating in fishing-related activities across the Jhelum River, Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and other water bodies. Their contributions extend beyond fishing to fish processing, vending, and marketing, significantly supporting local livelihoods and the regional economy. Despite their economic role, fisherwomen face multiple socio-economic, cultural, and health-related challenges that adversely affect their reproductive health and overall well-being. Limited financial resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor access to reproductive and maternal healthcare services, and low levels of education and awareness contribute to heightened health vulnerabilities. Cultural norms, social taboos, and restricted discussions around reproductive health further constrain women’s access to information and preventive care. Additionally, occupational hazards such as exposure to unhygienic working conditions, waterborne diseases, and physical strain intensify their health risks. These communities also represent the multicultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing varied ethnic and religious groups with distinct traditions, dialects, folk practices, and cultural identities. However, fisherwomen often remain underrepresented in policy frameworks and development interventions. This study highlights the need to understand the unique socio-cultural and occupational realities of fisherwomen in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly concerning reproductive health concerns. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive and culturally sensitive interventions focusing on healthcare accessibility, awareness generation, education, and empowerment to enable fisherwomen to make informed reproductive health decisions and improve their quality of life.
Buddhist Practice: A Paradigm-Shipt for Contemporary Social Work Professionals
In present context we are heading towards building rich economy and India being the 5th largest economy (World Economy Ranking, 2023) on one hand and on the other hand richest 1% of the total population bags nearly twice the wealth of the country resulting in widening disparities, inequalities, power imbalances and exacerbating injustices. It becomes essential to introduce the readers with a concept “Buddhist Practice in the Realm of Social Work Discourse’’ that can be a win-win situation strengthening the economy and uplifting the marginalized thereby driving towards holistic welfare. Not a single discipline is left untouched from ‘dominant social paradigm’ and often authors positioning the “social question” it becomes all the more necessity to ponder on healthy and effective ways of understanding and implementing the idea of Buddhist Economics instead of ideally strengthening economically at the cost of those who are marginalized and thereby playing unwittingly a prominent role in widening the ditch between have and haves not. Readers will get an understanding of what role Buddhism can play in professional social work. The readers will get an insight on the relation between Buddhism and social work practice, and the necessity for integration of Buddhist practice and ethics within the realm of social work profession.The author has made sincere efforts to ignite spark within the academic fraternity to intertwine the two; “the Buddhism and Social Work” and add new knowledge within the literature. This paper would also make the readers understand the importance thereby connecting Buddhism and Social Work Profession as the existing literature in Buddhist social work is limited and lacks the required attention.
Goal Attainment Scaling as an Annual Assessment of Faculty
Currently, no systematic evaluation protocol exists for annual assessment of faculty performance. Efforts to quantify student evaluations demonstrate acceptable levels of validity and reliability but fail to encompass totality of faculty performance on a quantitative level. The central problem of faculty performance evaluations is the lack of universality. Since evaluative criteria are left in the hands of the department, evaluation outcomes are uneven. Simply put, some evaluation protocols are considerably more stringent than others. The application of Goal Attainment Scaling provides a universal standard that enables university administrators to assess faculty performance in a more equitable and systematic manner. We employ qualitative methodologies to assess to use of Goal Attainment Scaling for annual evaluations of faculty.
Slums, Housing and Evictions: The Contested Domains of Law and Human Rights
Justice and law are often not synonymous, and even when just laws exist, they are often ignored or applied only in certain circumstances. In August 2020, the Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 2020 ordered the removal of 48,000 slum dwellings in Delhi, bringing back the discourse of “illegal encroachment” concerning slums in Indian cities. This position is in conflict with the poor’s livelihoods and their right to adequate housing. The state’s role is being questioned as it fails to provide basic necessities for its vulnerable citizens. This paper critically analyzes the Supreme Court’s order, focusing on Human Rights Violation, lack of rehabilitation plans, elite bias, and ignorance of previous judgments. It presents the issue within the Human Rights- Based Framework of development, considering the “Right to Adequate Housing” as a human right and eviction as a violation. The paper also discusses the “public interest” discourse, which has been invoked by the middle-class or bourgeoise environmentalists to build a culture of silence and acceptance around such evictions
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A Profile of Antenatal, Natal and Postnatal History of Clients with Uni-Disability and Multiple Disability Attending Services at Tertiary Treatment Center
Background: There exists a multitude of factors contributing to the occurrence of disability, thus necessitating a comprehensive examination of the characteristics and demographics of individuals with disabilities who actively seek assistance from diverse treatment facilities. Methodology: The primary aim of this study was to examine the Antenatal, Natal, and Postnatal records of individuals with disabilities and provide a comprehensive picture of this population. The research design employed in this study was descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. A random sample method was employed to choose 100 patient files from the hospital registration of the National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) during the period of 2012 to 2014. The data was gathered using a semistructured schedule. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. which was afterwards followed by an analysis and interpretation of the data to derive the conclusions of the study. Results: The findings indicate that a majority of the participants (66%), hailed from rural backgrounds. Additionally, 47% of the respondents belonged to backward groups, while 57% fell between the age range of 6 to 18 years. The antenatal history reveals that a significant majority of mothers (99%) completed regular antenatal check-ups. However, a small minority, comprising just 1% of the sample, experienced episodes of bleeding during their pregnancies and refrained from taking any form of medication to address this issue. Approximately 99% of the individuals surveyed did not possess a prior medical record of Hypertension, whereas approximately 98% did not have a history of Diabetes. There was an absence of any documented instances of trauma during this particular stage. The historical data pertaining to the Natal stage reveals that a significant majority (96%) of childbirths occurred within a hospital setting. Additionally, approximately 36% of these deliveries were conducted through Caesarian section, while approximately 7% of deliveries experienced extended labor. Approximately 34% of the observed population of children had delayed birth cry, whereas a majority of 77% demonstrated a birth weight within the usual range of 2.1kg to 3.5kg. In the historical context of the Postnatal stage, it is evident that a majority of children, specifically 94% did not experience any form of infection. However, a notable percentage of clients, about 17%, did encounter seizures during this period. It is worth noting that no instances of trauma was reported among the children. Additionally, a significant proportion, approximately 34%, required admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) following birth. Discussion: The stages of Antenatal, Natal, and Postnatal development are of significant importance in the realm of human growth and development. Numerous studies have documented that complications arising during these stages can result in various forms of handicap. The results of the study do not provide evidence in favor of this argument. There is an argument positing that in addition to this, there exist numerous more factors that have the potential to induce impairment, hence necessitating comprehensive study. Conclusion: There is a need to study the reasons for disability other than the conventional approach and mindset.
Rural Education Camp: A Practice Oriented Pedagogic Tool in Social Work Education
Rural Education Camp (REC) is one of the significant components of fieldwork in social work education. The primary objective of rural education camp is to provide learning opportunities for students to gain comprehensive understanding about rural setting and make students more sensitive about rural reality. The Department of Social Work, University of Delhi had organized a rural camp for social work students in collaboration with Department of Social Work, Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) in the year-2015. This article highlights the importance of rural education camp and its training in social work education. It also elucidates the learning outcomes resulting from its process. The insights and reflections gained from the process being shared with wider social work community to organize rural education camp with innovative methods. This case study could be used into classroom teaching to orient the students about rural education camp process and its organization with a systematic process to foster enabling learning environment into rural community settings
Nutritional Status of Reproductive-Aged Women and Children Under the Age of Five in Nepal
Aim: Despite the presence of economic improvements and the execution of many policies, the issue of malnutrition continues to persist as a significant worry for women and children in Nepal. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the nutritional outcomes among women of reproductive age and children within the country. Subject and Methods: Drawing upon data obtained from the Demographic Health Survey, this study examines the significant degree of malnutrition and investigates the various factors that contribute to its occurrence. The study objectives were accomplished through the utilization of binary logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: The results of the study reveal that almost 49% of children in Nepal exhibit stunting, 11% exhibit wasting, and 34% are classified as underweight. There is a correlation between wealth quintiles and a decrease in the likelihood of stunting and underweight conditions. It is worth noting that there is an increased likelihood of severe stunting and wasting among infants born to moms between the ages of 25 and 49. Insufficient sanitation facilities have been found to be correlated with increased likelihood of stunted growth and underweight conditions. In relation to the female population, it is observed that 17% exhibit underweight, 17% exhibit overweight, and 5% exhibit obesity. There is an observed correlation between advancing age in women and a higher likelihood of becoming overweight or obese. Women who depend on tube wells or borewells for their water supply are at a heightened risk of being underweight. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between the absence of adequate bathroom facilities for women and an increased likelihood of being underweight.Conclusion: The research findings showed that there is a persistent high frequency of malnutrition among older and rural children, as well as those with mothers who have lower levels of education and come from economically disadvantaged homes. The possibilities of fluctuating BMI among women are influenced by factors such as education, marital status, and wealth quintile. Moreover, the absence of adequate sanitation facilities and the presence of contaminated drinking water sources contribute to an elevated susceptibility to underweight conditions. The aforementioned statement underscores the necessity for Nepal to embrace a holistic strategy that is in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals in order to tackle the deteriorating nutritional status of women and children.
Integrating Indigenous Values into Life Skills Education: A Social Work Perspectives
This article highlights the significance of integrating Indigenous values into life skills education within the field of social work. Through a comprehensive comprehension of distinct ideas, techniques, and cultural factors, social workers are able to enhance their ability to provide effective assistance for the holistic well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities. This study examines the pedagogy of life skills within the Poumai Naga communities, with a particular focus on its importance as an example of indigenous education or Indigenous-informed life skills training. This research aims to promote an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to the practice of social work. This paper provides suggestions for incorporating a culturally specific viewpoint into life skills education, recognizing that indigenous communities possess unique cultural traditions and interact with persons and the environment in distinct ways. The article also discusses the difficulties associated with integration and underscores the importance of engaging in collaborative efforts with Indigenous people. The present study proposes that adopting a culturally tailored approach to teaching life skills can lead to tangible and empirically validated results
Unveiling the Struggles of India’s Youth: Identifying Challenges and Solutions
Background- In the context of a global population that is experiencing an increasing average age, India stands out as a nation with one of the most youthful populations. The working-age population in India has surpassed the population of individuals who are not of working age. Based on available reports, it can be shown that a demographic dividend has been present for a period of around five decades, commencing from the year 2004-05. The potential is quite high. In order to accommodate the anticipated annual expansion of the working age population, the Economic Survey 2019 proposes the augmentation of employment opportunities. The successful completion of this task necessitates a staff that possesses a high level of education, expertise, and physical well-being. This study aims to present a comprehensive overview of the various concerns and challenges faced by contemporary youth. This article endeavours to present ideas aimed at addressing these challenges and harnessing the full potential of India’s Youth. Methodology- This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing secondary data and employing a thematic review of literature to comprehensively examine the concept of youth. Findings- The study’s findings indicate the presence of significant gaps in education, healthcare, and employment that require urgent attention from the government. This is particularly crucial during times of crisis, such as the current pandemic, where a substantial number of young individuals have experienced job losses. Therefore, it is imperative for the state to proactively address this pressing issue by generating job opportunities and not neglecting its severity.Conclusion- The allocation of resources towards the development and enhancement of human capital has been found to provide remarkable levels of returns. Indian youth of today encounter a multitude of issues that necessitate not only acknowledgment, but also proactive measures to address them.
Understanding the Influential Factors in Implementing Integrated Health Programs: A Review
This review aims to explore factors affecting implementation of integrated health programs and how NCDs and mental health programs were integrated into existing health systems. A search of major electronic databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Medline, was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed journal articles. The search used specific word categories related to the study, such as health system integration, health system, program, outcome/output, and perception. The findings of the study indicate that leadership in healthcare, available human resources, training, staff workload, availability of drugs and logistics, and availability of clinical guidelines and treatment protocols play an important role in the successful implementation of integrated health programs. The findings also suggest that integrating non-communicable disease (NCD) services with general health systems could help address accessibility and equity issues. Additionally, the review highlights that integrating mental health services into general health services can effectively reduce stigma, address workforce shortages, and detect mental disorders early. However, challenges like overburdened primary care systems and insufficient training for health workers impede successful implementation.
Structural Social Work: An Approach to Bring Subaltern Discourse in Social Work in Indian Context
This paper discusses the process of bringing subaltern discourse of marginalized communities for inclusive development through structural social work in India. The hegemonic ideology of dominant communities in India always excluded and systematically marginalized dalits, women and indigenous communities from the mainstream development. The efforts made by the post-colonial government couldn’t help much to bring an inclusive development process. Social aspects in democracy should address social relations with equality. Nevertheless, caste and gender were always threats for Indian society and now for a largest vibrant democracy. Though the constitution promotes the right to freedom of expression, one needs to analyze whether these marginalized have equal say in democratic process. Representation and participation of discriminated and excluded groups in governance is the central element of inclusive policy and building inclusive society. However, the situation is status-quo in reality. Post-colonialism and neoliberalism promotes accumulation of wealth and resources which dispossess these communities which leads to disengagement of these communities from the development process. There is a strong need to build the capacities of these communities and empower them for inclusive development. The roots of this marginalization are deeply rooted in societal structure. Inadequate social and economic arrangements are predominantly responsible for the plight of marginalized communities. Empowering these communities for inclusive development would only be possible by challenging the structural issues and existing social arrangements. The seldom efforts had been made by social work professionals ‘paternalistically’ to engage these disengaged communities. Therefore, social workers have to facilitate the process building capacities of these communities for challenging the existing hegemonic power structure. The structural social work approach tries to change the social andeconomic systems by conscientizing marginalized communities. This paper will also throw light on the process of building critical consciousness among these communities viz a viz response of social workers.
The Dual-Role Dilemma: Work-Family Intersection of Anganwadi Workers in Gujarat
This article discusses the “Dual-Role Dilemma” of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) in Gujarat with reference to this intersection of their professional role vis-a-vis the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and their domestic role. Using a mixed method approach and stratified random method to select 370 functionaries from five (5) districts, the research examines the effect of family on job performance especially the prevalence of joint family structures (79.7%). The major findings indicate a big “Process-Impact Gap” where high educational attainment (24.1% post-graduates) does not lead to high levels of practice due to dysfunction in the management systems and domestic role conflict. Statistical analysis indicates that although knowledge is related to practice (r = 0.182), it does not address professional challenges, which are still linked to bureaucratic barriers and household burdens. The conclusion of the study is that the efficacy of the AWW is inextricably tied to her domestic stability. It infers that moving “Beyond HR”, through flexible working models, psychosocial support and family sensitization is a must to make these frontline workers to change partners. Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Work-Family Conflict, ICDS, Gujarat, Dual-Role Dilemma, Joint Family Dynamics, Frontline Social Workforce, Management Dysfunction, Strategic Change Partners
Recapturing Inclusive Education as a Shared Responsibility: Experiences of Women with Disabilities in Sri Lanka
While the concept of inclusive education promotes access and equity for all learners, Sri Lanka still struggles to realize its full implementation, particularly for students with disabilities. This paper explores how women with disabilities in Sri Lanka experience and understand inclusive education as a shared responsibility, drawing on their dual identities as both individuals with physical disabilities and disability rights activists. The study is based on a qualitative pilot study conducted as part of a broader research project on Sexuality and Intimacy among Women with Disabilities in Sri Lanka. The research examined their experiences in educational settings and beyond using semi-structured interviews with six participants. Findings highlight critical gaps in the inclusive education framework in Sri Lanka, especially the tendency to focus on the mere placement of students with disabilities in classrooms without addressing structural, attitudinal, and institutional barriers. Participants emphasized that inclusive education must go beyond classroom integration. It should engage families, peers, educators, school administrators, and the broader community. The mainstream education system in Sri Lanka can be seen as shared responsibilities among stakeholders, and there is a lack of supportive infrastructure and positive attitudes towards students with disabilities. This paper argues that inclusive education should be recaptured as a shared, collective responsibility, spanning Policy, practice, and culture, rather than confined to a classroom-level goal. It calls for a reorientation of the mainstream education discourse in Sri Lanka. Social workers must continue to advocate for an inclusive education system that ensures the educational rights of all children, especially children with disabilities, emphasizing that every learner matters. Education Rights, Inclusive Education, Women with Disabilities, Shared Responsibility, Students with disabilities, Structural Barriers, social workers