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International Social Welfare: A British Perspective
International Social Welfare: A British
Brixton Immigration Walking Tour
By Maia Marces
The London Study Abroad Social Work class has returned home! Organized and led by Dr. Neely Mahapatra, Associate Professor of Social Work, the study abroad “International Social Welfare: A British Perspective” took UW students to London for two weeks in late May to learn about the history of social welfare in Britain, with a focus on the 18th century to the present. According to Dr. Mahapatra, “In an increasingly multicultural and interconnected world, our study abroad program offers UW students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse culture’s worldview and understand different perspectives as they align with the internationalization efforts at UW.”
The group of fourteen students drawn from social work, political science, nursing, sociology, and anthropology engaged in a first-hand educational process. The educational experience was co-lead by former UW Social Work faculty member Carolyn Haney. The group visited a number of iconic London sites including the Tower of London, Parliament, Big Ben, and the Victoria Palace Theatre. They also visited less well known sites including: Brixton Borough, an international market with a rich history of civil rights and culture; the Southhall Gurdwara, a Sikh temple; Hughenden Manor, home of Benjamin Disraeli, the first Jewish Prime Minister and later a WWII intelligence site; and a workhouse that served as housing for those living in abject poverty for nearly two centuries. Each location was rich with history and the stories of different individuals who either worked for, created, or experienced different forms of social welfare throughout history.
Workhouse in Southwell
The students learned about themes of social progress: the ways in which capitalism has grown and produced the need for innovative social welfare throughout the centuries, the empowerment of people; the structures in which social welfare has evolved alongside capitalism, often to try and fill the needs that are left unmet by capitalism. Students were further
introduced to cultural perspectives that have shifted with the rise of democracy, colonialism, and globalization, and the impact on social service delivery systems. In addition to an historical perspective, the students had the opportunity to talk with current British Social Workers and workers at Southhall Black Sisters, a domestic violence resource center.
Dr. Mahapatra underscored the importance of the community component of the trip: “Responsiveness and understanding of worldwide issues including the impact of history, cultural paradigms, policies, and theories of community practice and research are relevant to social work students and students in other disciplines to learn and apply to practice in their communities.”
In front of Hughenden Manor house in Buckinghamshire that belonged to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.
Students’ own words best describe this international experience:
“On this trip I got to broaden my understanding of social systems and also meet people that changed the way I viewed the world.” (Darrah Short, Social Work major)
“Before going on the trip, my understanding of social work was restricted. Having the ability to see social work firsthand made a world of difference than reading it out of a textbook. The trip has given me a different view on how different countries handle social work compared to the United States and how they can be similar as well. The advice I would give an individual: have an open mind, experience new things, create new bonds, and have fun doing so.” (Cody Johnson, Criminal Justice major)
“This trip has made me a better student and a better person and will make me a better social worker. The cultural aspects of this trip and being able to immerse myself in a different culture and learn different ideas and ways of living and approaches to social challenges and their solutions have enriched my journey of cultural competence and creativity. I am very patriotic and understand more deeply how young our country is by comparison and have an appreciation for our history in Britain and newer history in the United States. The world has become smaller to me and more accessible to explore because of the confidence it has given me.” (Rachel Riter, Social Work major)
“I am delighted we can offer this type of international experience for UW students to expand their world views and their knowledge,” said Dr. Downey. “I am also grateful to donors like Martha Pheneger whose generous contributions to the Student Success Fund provided scholarships for students who ordinarily might not be able to participate in an international educational experience.”
