Complete this assignment after you have read and understood Chapters 1-4.

To discuss your ideological perspective, answer the following:

1. What assumptions do you make about people and how they relate to each other in society (include your view of human nature, good or evil; what motivates people; what controls are required; what is the potential of human beings and how can it be maximized?)

2. What role does the state (i.e., government) play in the welfare of people? What role should the state play?

3. What assumptions do you make about the present economic and political systems (i.e., who benefits most from the present systems; what are the results of the current order?) What is your vision of the "ideal" society (i.e., the ideal political and economic state; the ideal outcomes of such a state)?

4. What factors have shaped your views up to this point (i.e., family, community, church, school, significant person, books, etc.)?

5. How do you see race, class, gender and sexual orientation influences on your life chances and on your ideology?

6. Considering that the social work profession and values adhere most closely to the liberal perspective, how do you view yourself as working in the profession (i.e., what problems, if any, might you anticipate)?