Being too heavy or too thin, having a disability, being from a family with same-sex parents, having a speech impediment, being part of a low socioeconomic class—each of these is enough to marginalize (placing one outside of the margins of societal expectations) a child or adolescent. When children and adolescents are marginalized, they often experience consequences like lower self-esteem, performing poorly in school, or feeling depressed and anxious. In order for social workers to help facilitate positive change for their clients, they must be aware of the issues that can affect their healthy development. For this Discussion, review the case study Working With the Homeless Population: The Case of Diane and consider the issues within her environment that serve to place her outside of the margins of society.
Post a brief explanation of the issues that place Diane outside of the margins of society. Be sure to include an explanation about how these issues may have influenced her social development from infancy through adolescence. Also explain what you might have done differently had you been Diane’s social worker. Please use the Learning Resources to support your answer.
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
- Working With the Homeless Population: The Case of Diane
Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
- Chapter 4 (pp. 178-253)
Holt, N. L., Kingsley, B. C., Tink, L. N., & Scherer, J. (2011). Benefits and challenges associated with sports participation by children and parents from low-income families. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 12(5), 490–499. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.