Marginalization, social justice, and universal human rights and dignity as a starting point display right away several classes of people who qualify as clientele and audiences of social work: minorities, the elderly, women, children, the poor, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues, the terminally ill, people in conflict with the law, those with substance abuse and addiction, and people in workplaces who are affected internally or externally by issues that reduce their productive capacities. All of them, and many more, may constitute the clientele and audience of professional social work.
Characteristics of Clientele and Audiences of Social Work
All people with various social concerns (in terms of being marginalized, experiencing social injustice, or having their rights violated or disrespected) share characteristic qualities of the clientele and audience of social work: individuals, families, groups, and communities experiencing exclusion or facing personal social problems such as job loss, illness—especially terminal illness—or any other conditions that warrant social welfare benefits. It is not just about being old and retired, being employed and having workplace concerns, or being in a healthcare facility, home for the elderly, home for street children, drug rehabilitation center, or mental health facility. Being a minority, a migrant, a divorced woman, a neglected child, or a sexually, physically, or mentally abused individual, or suffering from any kind of discrimination, characterizes one as part of the clientele and audience of social work.
Needs of Various Types of Clientele and Audiences of Social Work
The needs are generally centered on empowerment and social inclusion, ensuring that individuals receive what is legally due to them and the necessary care they deserve. Some people need their rights respected, some need justice, and others require social welfare assistance to regain stability. Each context of social work discussed in this book reflects a unique type of clientele and audience; however, commonalities do exist.
The Individual as a Client of Social Work
We have pointed out that social work can operate on one, two, three, or four levels. The individual level generally involves assisting a person in adapting to a larger environment, advocating for changes in that environment, or simply improving the individual’s ability to cope within it.
The Group and Organization as Clients of Social Work
Groups consist of people with similar or common identities. Gay men and lesbians, migrants, women, abused or neglected children, the elderly, pensioners, veterans, military service members, people in conflict with the law, the unemployed, and individuals with substance abuse and addiction issues represent groups that social work may focus its services on. Additionally, there are groups such as members of an organization or workplace, or students in an educational setting. These groups are classified as such because they form collectivities in terms of the level of services they require.
The Community as a Client of Social Work
The community has the largest share in the clientele and audience of social work because individuals and families are essentially members of a community. Everything happens within a community, and everyone claims membership in one. A community may exist as a marginalized sector, in which case social work services may be geared toward emancipation and empowerment. In other cases, a community may constitute the majority, imposing general norms that marginalize minorities and those who differ from them. In such situations, social work may focus on community transformation to create environmental changes that allow individuals and minority groups to achieve social well-being, social justice, and respect for their rights.
