The Difference between Rural and Urban Social Work

The Difference between Rural and Urban Social Work

Social work plays a vital role in addressing many societal issues. Still, understanding the differences in social work in urban and rural settings is critical in effectively addressing issues affecting individuals or communities in these areas. To begin with, unlike urban social work, social work practice in rural settings often involves working with minority and oppressed individuals and requires learning about the community’s behavior, values, and beliefs (Daley, 2019). In addition, human relationships in rural settings are typically described as close and personal; therefore, individuals in rural areas feel more comfortable interacting with individuals they know or are familiar with (Daley, 2019).

Moreover, individuals in the rural community tend to distrust strangers or those they consider outsiders (Daley, 2019). Consequently, one would be less effective as an outsider; therefore, a relationship is paramount when going into these settings. Also, the community might view the idea of receiving help from outsiders as a weakness. Thus, social workers should begin by evaluating how individuals and the community would perceive their social work actions. Most importantly, social workers should form relationships to build trust and ensure the community feels comfortable interacting with them.

An ethical rural practice involves several strategies to avoid or minimize ethical risks. These include 1) thoroughly assessing a case to identify potential ethical concerns and conflicts; 2) consulting with colleagues and supervisors to gain additional perspectives regarding a case and its potential risks; 3) using informed consent to clarify the role of each party involved and to discuss confidentiality; and 4) proper documentation. As Daley (2019) notes, these strategies represent an overall sound practice and are not unique to one particular rural setting. Conclusively, ethics must always be maintained, and in these settings, where there are so many points of social intersection and everyone knows everyone, clarifying one’s professional role and maintaining appropriate professional distance is critical.

References

Daley, M. R. (2019). Rural social work in the 21st century: Serving individuals, families, and communities in the countryside (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780190937690

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Discuss the difference between rural and urban social work. As an “outsider” are you more effective or less effective? Is a relationship paramount when going into a rural community?

The Difference between Rural and Urban Social Work

Discuss what an ethical rural practice looks like. Is it the same for every community? Do you need to maintain ethics at all, or because “everyone knows everyone” do you need to worry about it?