We no longer regard poverty, unemployment and social inequalities as inherent in the divine order of things. Every social problem has it cause or causes. If the cause can be discovered, the problem in most cases can be solved.
It is the function of a school (of social work) such as this to seek to explain the causes of social problems and to suggest methods of approach to their solution. As social workers we want to do all in our power to alleviate human misery, but that is not all.
Our larger problem is the problem of prevention and if, as we have reason to believe, our current economic system is cause of much social maladjustment.
It then becomes necessary for us to be realistic and to face our problems. It is for this reason that I have felt it worth to talk at some length regarding the relationship between education and social change.
The tragedy in the whole situation is that though we know our knowledge in the social sciences has not kept pace with the advance in technology, the efforts of society seem to be directed towards widening the gap rather than narrowing it.
The man who invents a new machine or simplifies a technical process is feted and honoured but the man who ventures to question existing social and political institutions and suggest possible remedies, not only faces social disapproval, but far too often lands in jail.
I am not urging you to rush out from this hall and immediately attempt to bring in a new social order.
I am urging you to utilise your time in this institution to make a deep study of the problems of society; to develop a social philosophy and to acquire the ability to discriminate and make judgements based upon facts rather than sentimentalism and hearsay.
We must be social servants- that is our profession. But over and above serving society let us be social engineers.
The author desires that social workers should become:
Correct Answer: D. Social engineers
Solution:The passage emphasizes the need for social workers to go beyond merely serving society and to actively engage in understanding and addressing the causes of social problems.
The term "social engineers" suggests a role that involves analyzing, questioning, and potentially restructuring social and political institutions to bring about positive change.
It signifies a proactive and transformative approach to social work, aligning with the author's call for a deeper study of societal problems, the development of a social philosophy, and the ability to make informed judgments based on facts.