This document defines and compares social control, social change, and social work. It notes that social control operates within a system using informal norms and formal agreements, while social change adjusts a society's institutions, behaviors, and relations. Social work aims to promote social justice, equality, dignity, and human relationships through services, advocacy, and ensuring competence. While social control uses consequences and government, social work and social change seek to advance societies through reforms and progress. Ultimately, where individual social workers fall on the spectrum of social control versus social change depends on their passions and skills within their profession.

1. CHANGE
Or
CONTROL

2. FIRST LETS DEFINE THE DIFFERENCE
SOCIAL CONTROL IS A MODEL WITHIN THE CONFINES OF A
SYSTEM.
• There are 2 methods of control
• Informal control. For example the process that society uses to establish values and
morals.
• Formal control. Agreements enforced by government to prevent disorder society.
Some theorists refer to this form of control as regulation.

3. Social change is an adjustment in the order of society.
Can Include: change in nature, institutions, behaviors,
or relations.
Social Change can also allude to the idea of progress
within society.

4. 6 Areas of Social Work
1. Service- providing assistance, linking to resources, and local benefits so people can reach their
potential
2. Social Justice- Promote equal rights, social justice and opportunity, to everyone
3. Dignity and worth- Respect the worth of each individual equally
4. Importance of human relationships- to value the rapport between social worker and client
5. Integrity-maintain trustworthiness; do what is “right”
6. Competence-practice within the scope of training

5. Compare and Contrast
Social Work Promotes
• Social Justice
• Equality
• Dignity
• Respect
• Self Determination
• Advocacy
Social Control Promotes
• Rewards and Consequences
• Sanctions
• Establishing values and morals in society
• Reducing risk of chaos
• Government involved
Social Change Promotes
• Change in institution
• Change in society
• Change in behavior
• Progress in society

6. Key Points
• Social Change and Social Control are similar, yet, very different concepts.
• Social Work is a profession dedicated to the advances in social justice and equality and the eradication of
injustice.
• Social Work likely combines elements of both Social Control and Social Change.
• Social Work promotes change in society to aid in equality and benefits for all. In this way Social Work includes
Social Change.
• Social Work promotes government involvement when aiding the disadvantaged. In this area Social Work
includes areas of Social Control.
• Social Work promotes institutions to change to better benefit all individuals. Here we, again see Social
Change.
• Social Work advocates for new laws and policies. Here is another element of Social Control.

7. Personal Choice
For each individual worker social work is different.
One may excel in advocating for policies while one has a
passion for individual counseling. Depending on one’s
profession and where one’s passion lies will assist in
determining if their practice falls more toward social
control or social change. I challenge each of you to
explore this question and determine where, on the
spectrum, your passions and skills lie.