Our goal in this session is to consider how political ideologies shape our ideas about social justice and how they impact social welfare policies, institutions and services. In this assignment, you will reflect upon liberal and conservative theories. As you do so, keep in mind the learning community you selected in Activity 2.5 and how these theories might affect the social policies within that area of social work.

First, review the session resources. Then, in a five- to six-paragraph journal entry, complete the following:

1. Give a complete cited definition for these conservative theories:
   • Classical Liberalism
   • Neoliberalism
   • Neoconservatism
2. Next, write two to three paragraphs that address the following:
   • Thinkers and Theory: Who are the major thinkers representing each of these conservative theories? What are their views of the state and the welfare state (or the provision of social services), and what language do they use to describe their conservative theories?
   • Countries and Political Figures: What countries and political figures espouse these conservative theories? Briefly discuss.
   • Social Service: How have you seen these conservative theories manifested in social service environments?
3. Give a complete cited definition for these social liberal frameworks:
   • Social Democracy
   • Social Liberalism
4. Complete your journal entry by adding two to three paragraphs that address the following:
   • Thinkers and Theory: Who are the major thinkers representing these social liberal frameworks? What are their views of the state and the welfare state (or the provision of social services), and what language do they use to describe their social liberal frameworks?
   • Countries and Political Figures: What countries and political figures espouse these social liberal frameworks? Briefly discuss.
   • Social Service: How have you seen these social liberal frameworks manifested in social service environments?

Rubric

7120 – 3 – Journal: Defining Political Contexts and Social Welfare Ideologies