Discussion 1 What is the difference between an ideology, a theory, and a paradigm? Choose at least one of the ideologies, theories, or paradigms that resonated with you and discuss how it is relevant to the study of social welfare policy. 200 words Reply 1 Giovanna A person's ideology is what influences their way of thinking. An ideology is a set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an individual. Often, ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies. (Cranston, 2020) A theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that are constructed using a scientific method and brings together many facts and hypotheses. Social work theory is a general explanation supported by evidence provided by the scientific method. (Stewart, 2011) Lastly, paradigms are patterns or models built on both ideologies and theories. The three most common paradigms are positivism, constructivism or interpretivism, and pragmatism. (Daigneault, P-M, 2014) Even though I do not like to talk about politics, I would say that I'm a liberal So, my ideology is liberalism. As a liberal, I believe that we can change and create new policies that would benefit as a whole society. I believe that national prosperity requires government management of the macroeconomy in order to keep unemployment low, inflation in check, and growth high. I also value institutions that defend against economic inequality. The theory I believe in is the theory of international relations. International relations are constructed from an idea such as all states in the U.S. always act in accordance with their National interests, or the interests of that state. State interests often include self-preservation, military security, economic prosperity, and influence over other states. Sometimes, two or more states have the same national interest. For example, two states might both want to foster peace and economic trade. And states with diametrically opposing national interests might try to resolve their differences through negotiation or even war. I think that we need a new paradigm on racial justice. A new paradigm must be ingrained in the values of today’s racial justice movement: "repair and redress; material equity; and freedom and liberation. Moreover, it must center the role of race in our economic policy debates and in our broader politics." (Wong & Strickland, 2021) Reply 2 Amberlin Ideologies, theories, and paradigms are often used interchangeably within the context of social welfare policy (Segal, 2015). While these conceptual foundations play a role in constructing social policies and legislation, they do have some differences. According to our textbook, “ideologies are ideas or bodies of thought that offer guidance, theories are systems of ideas that explain a phenomenon, and paradigms are patterns or models that provide a conceptual framework” (S ...

1. Discussion 1
What is the difference between an ideology, a theory, and a
paradigm? Choose at least one of the ideologies, theories, or
paradigms that resonated with you and discuss how it is relevant
to the study of social welfare policy. 200 words
Reply 1 Giovanna
A person's ideology is what influences their way of thinking. An
ideology is a set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an
individual. Often, ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or
a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture. Capitalism,
communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies. (Cranston,
2020) A theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for
observations of the natural world that are constructed using a
scientific method and brings together many facts and
hypotheses. Social work theory is a general explanation
supported by evidence provided by the scientific method.
(Stewart, 2011) Lastly, paradigms are patterns or models built
on both ideologies and theories. The three most common
paradigms are positivism, constructivism or interpretivism, and
pragmatism. (Daigneault, P-M, 2014)
Even though I do not like to talk about politics, I would say that
I'm a liberal So, my ideology is liberalism. As a liberal, I
believe that we can change and create new policies that would
benefit as a whole society. I believe that national prosperity
requires government management of the macroeconomy in order
to keep unemployment low, inflation in check, and growth high.
I also value institutions that defend against economic
inequality. The theory I believe in is the theory of international
relations. International relations are constructed from an idea
such as all states in the U.S. always act in accordance with their

2. National interests, or the interests of that state. State interests
often include self-preservation, military security, economic
prosperity, and influence over other states. Sometimes, two or
more states have the same national interest. For example, two
states might both want to foster peace and economic trade. And
states with diametrically opposing national interests might try
to resolve their differences through negotiation or even war. I
think that we need a new paradigm on racial justice. A new
paradigm must be ingrained in the values of today’s racial
justice movement: "repair and redress; material equity; and
freedom and liberation. Moreover, it must center the role of
race in our economic policy debates and in our broader
politics." (Wong & Strickland, 2021)
Reply 2 Amberlin
Ideologies, theories, and paradigms are often used
interchangeably within the context of social welfare policy
(Segal, 2015). While these conceptual foundations play a role in
constructing social policies and legislation, they do have some
differences. According to our textbook, “ideologies are ideas or
bodies of thought that offer guidance, theories are systems of
ideas that explain a phenomenon, and paradigms are patterns or
models that provide a conceptual framework” (Segal, 2015).
Most individuals have ideas, beliefs, and opinions that guide
their thinking process. An example of these ideologies a person
possesses would be their political party affiliation. Both liberal
and conservative parties have standing principles in which they
approach important issues which help their decision-making.
While ideology influences thinking, theories explain why
certain behaviors or phenomena occur, which I like to compare
to philosophy. Examples of philosophical theories explaining
human behavior are cultural relativism, utilitarianism, and
casual determinism. Theories can provide evidence-based
insight on why events are occurring and give a basis for how to
reform policy. However, opposing theories can always
challenge an existing one and potentially complicate the

3. process. Lastly, paradigms are patterns that encompass both
ideologies and theories to view the big picture of an issue or
topic. These lines of strategic thinking serve as a framework to
draft various policies and programs and guide the legislation
process. Opposing views, ideologies, and theories on economic,
social, and political life are reflected in conservatism,
liberalism, and radicalism. All individuals view the world
through their own life experiences, resulting in a different
moral compass to navigate these issues, which is why the
theoretical framework of empathy is so important. Our textbook
defines this perfectly in the conclusion of chapter 3 by stating,
“if a person feels strongly that social responsibility is
important, that person might be drawn to the paradigms of
critical analysis and social empathy because both emphasize
social change. If a person is more focused on individual change,
then distributive justice or strengths-based paradigms may be a
better fit” (Segal, 2015). There is no black-and-white answer
regarding the correct way to approach social welfare policies.
However, having a continued awareness and understanding of
the ideologies, theories, and paradigms that influence decision-
making can make for a more informed & competent human
services provider.
Discussion 2
Go to the Library of Congress website. Find a piece of
legislation on a topic of interest to you. In your own words,
report what you found. Identify a bill by name and number.
Who is the sponsor of this bill? When and what was the last
action taken on this bill? If this bill has already passed both
houses and signed by the President, when did it become law? Is
there a public law number? Briefly, tell us, in your own words,
what this proposed legislation is about. Provide a direct link to
this bill/law. Then, see if you can find this same bill on
the govtrack.us website. Is there any additional useful
information that you can find on this site? 200 words

4. https://www.loc.gov
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/
Reply 1 ashley
The bill I chose was H.R.6236 - Veterans Disability Benefits
Claims Modernization Act of 2008. The sponsor of the bill was
representative Steve Chabot. The last ation that was taken on
this legastion was on June 11,2008, it was taken and referred to
the house committee of veterans affairs. This bill was only
introduced, it was read twice by the senate and then sent to
veterans affairs. Which means there is no pulbic law number.
This proposed legislation was to ammend title 38. Mrs. Clinton
and others were trying to make it easier, more accture and faster
for veterans and thier families that they deserve. I had trouble
through out reading the peice of legalstion honestly but one I
took it piece by piece I had a better understanding. I also
used govtrack.us website to make sure my understanding was
correct. The govtrack website had more details put into it and
not just 2 sentence and then a paper. I also liked that it was
easier to move through the website, congress one was hard for
me to track everything.
The URL is :https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-
congress/house-bill/6236/text
Reply 2 gio
The topic I chose was the Student Debt Relief Act of 2019. The
bill's name and number is H.R. 3887-116th Congress. (2019-
2020) the sponsor of this bill is Rep. Clyburn, James E. (D-SC-
6). Student loan forgiveness relieves borrowers of their
obligation to repay some or all of their federal student loan
debt. The borrowers who have taken out loans to pay for their
post-secondary education. Forgiveness applies to different types
of loans, but those eligible for forgiveness tend to belong to

5. certain public service, education, or military professions. The
bill would help forgive up to 50,000 loans, meaning the
payments would be forgiven or written off from debt. Under
this bill The last action taken on this law was on 08/12,2019 it
was referred to the subcommittee on antitrust, Commercial, and
Administrative law. The action was taken by: Committee of
Judiciary. This bill was introduced on July 23, 2019, in a
previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Although this bill was not enacted, its provisions could have
become law by being included in another bill. There is no
additional information if there is another bill being proposed at
this time. I know that they have a similar bill trying to be
passed to relieve loan debt for 2021.
Legislative proposition means a bill, resolution, or joint
resolution. Legislative proposal or "proposal" means any
proposal relating to a bill that may be considered or is presently
being considered by the general assembly for enactment. A bill
is proposed legislation under consideration by a legislature.
Once a bill has been enacted into law, it is called an act of the
legislature, or a statute. Bills are introduced in the legislature
and are discussed, debated, and voted on.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2235