Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work

Global Journal of HUMAN-SOCIAL SCIENCE: C Sociology & Culture Volume 17 Issue 2 Version 1.0 Year 2017 Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA) Online ISSN: 2249-460x & Print ISSN: 0975-587X Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work By Dr. Archana Kaushik & Ms. Shashi Rani Dev University of Delhi Abstract- In the contemporary times, the world is confronted with sad stories of crime, violence, wars, disasters, abuses and exploitation. Hatred, fear and tension have taken over compassion, love and peace. In this context, very progress and development achieved by human civilization seems futile. The present paper analyzes the real meaning of success in contrast to the popular notion which is measured in terms of materialistic possessions. Using relevant secondary data, the paper argues that the ‘developed’ nations though rank higher on indicators like per capita income and Gross National Products, these countries severely lag behind on parameters of happiness, satisfaction and well-being. In juxtaposition, poor countries like Mexico and Nigeria are more peaceful with strong community ties and interdependent living, despite lacking affluence. Research work has shown that congruent social relations are far more potent variables than wealth in ensuring happiness and well-being. Social work is one of the prominent human service professions that have been unflinchingly working to bring amiability and well-being in the society, and it has a crucial role in redefining and propagating the meaning of ‘success’, which is holistic and balanced encompassing healthy body, mind and social relations. The paper provides existing and suggestive interventions of social work profession to contribute towards establishing a vibrant and enriched society, where success means peace, happiness, compassion and wellbeing. GJHSS-C Classification: FOR Code: 160799 RedefiningSuccessRoleandScopeofSocialWork Strictly as per the compliance and regulations of: © 2017. Dr. Archana Kaushik & Ms. Shashi Rani Dev. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License http://creative commons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non- commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.  Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work Dr. Archana Kaushik α & Ms. Shashi Rani Dev σ Abstract- In the contemporary times, the world is confronted 73 years, and a boy to the age of 68. This is six years with sad stories of crime, violence, wars, disasters, abuses longer than the average global life expectancy for a child and exploitation. Hatred, fear and tension have taken over born in 1990 (WHO, 2014). There are 131.4 million births compassion, love and peace. In this context, very progress every year in contrast to 55.3 million deaths each year and development achieved by human civilization seems futile. (World Fact Book, 2011). Apparently, we have made The present paper analyzes the real meaning of success in 2017 progress in leaps and bounds in economic growth and contrast to the popular notion which is measured in terms of materialistic possessions. Using relevant secondary data, the development. Science and technology have contributed Year paper argues that the ‘developed’ nations though rank higher immensely to our material comforts and overall living. on indicators like per capita income and Gross National However, despite material success, progress Products, these countries severely lag behind on parameters and development, somewhere we have terribly failed in 49 of happiness, satisfaction and well-being. In juxtaposition, bringing about peace, or in reducing pains and poor countries like Mexico and Nigeria are more peaceful with Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVII Issue II Version I strong community ties and interdependent living, despite sufferings. Daily, in one part of the world or the other lacking affluence. Research work has shown that congruent incidences of violence, wars and disasters erupt social relations are far more potent variables than wealth in claiming human lives and causing much agony and ensuring happiness and well-being. grief. The World Health Organization (2002) observes Social work is one of the prominent human service that violence causes more than 1.6 million deaths professions that have been unflinchingly working to bring worldwide every year, making it one of the leading amiability and well-being in the society, and it has a crucial causes of death in all parts of the world for persons role in redefining and propagating the meaning of ‘success’, aged 15 to 44 years. With 191 million people losing their which is holistic and balanced encompassing healthy body, lives in conflicts and violence in the 20th century, it has mind and social relations. The paper provides existing and suggestive interventions of social work profession to contribute become one of the most violent periods in human towards establishing a vibrant and enriched society, where history. And, well over half of them were civilians, notes success means peace, happiness, compassion and well- the WHO (2002). Moreover, the United Nations (2015) being. asserts that 35 percent of women worldwide, reportedly, had experienced violence in their lifetime, whether I. Introduction physical, sexual, or both; one in 10 girls under the age H uman species has practically ruled over the of 18 was forced to have sex. planet Earth. From a life of hunter-gatherer, Further, terrorism is on the rise, with an almost humans have now stepped on the Moon and fivefold increase in fatalities since 9/11 (Global Terrorism - trying to demystify the components of galaxies. Today, Index, 2014). In the year 2013 there was 61% rise in the we possess all the sophisticated machinery and number of people killed in terrorist attacks. In addition, technology to make our life comfortable and full of World Report on Violence and Health brings out that in luxuries. Life is much easier these days than it was the year 2000, an estimated 1.6 million people in the hundred years ago because of scientific and world lost their lives to violence (WHO, 2002). Quite technological advancements. We can communicate with interestingly, Institute for Economics and Peace (2012) our fellow-beings sitting miles away within seconds with calculates that if financial resources spent on violence telephones, mobiles, emails, Skype, and other modes. containment are represented as a discrete industry, it We can travel much faster and in greater ease with would be the largest industry in the U.S. economy— airplanes and high speed trains. Modern entertainment larger than construction, real estate, professional systems also let us have more fun and recreational services, or manufacturing and it would be the seventh engagements. Moreover, in the last few decades, largest economy in the world, only slightly smaller than innovations in medical sciences and better public health the UK economy. system, world over, have amplified life expectancy. According to the World Health Statistics (2014), people Everyday newspapers and news channels show everywhere are living longer. Based on global averages, the same sad stories of violence, wars and disasters. It a girl who was born in 2012 can expect to live to around is clear that in modern times ecology – nature and life on the planet Earth – is not safe. This instills an awareness Authors α σ: Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, of fear and tension that any sensitive and University of Delhi. e-mail: [email protected] © 20 17 Global Journals Inc. (US)  Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work compassionate being must question the ‘success and person of $37,800 (which is nearly 47 times higher than progress’ we have made in our modern world. that of Nigeria). Seemingly, money has little to do with Can we really consider the rise in human life happiness. Then, how does peaceful environment and expectancy and sharp decline in death rate as the sense of security make these ‘not so rich’ nations the triumph of human civilization, if there are ample happiest countries in the world? And ironically, the most evidences of genocide, violence and exploitation in serious problems emanate from industrially advanced almost every part of the world? It is ironical that a person societies, where unprecedented success and progress suffering from tuberculosis can surely be cured to live a have, seemingly, fostered discontent, restlessness and long and healthy life but it cannot be guaranteed that a sufferings. Undoubtedly, there has been vast progress healthy person going to workplace would not be killed in the areas of science and technology but somehow we by terrorists or communal/ethnic violence; a woman can have terribly failed in reducing human sufferings and receive best of ante natal care but may not be protected pains. This success is ostensibly devoid of love, against sexual violence. And such instances of violence compassion and peace. and insecurity to human life are seen, apparently, in Findings of the survey bring out that though 2017 industrially advanced societies, where unprecedented Puerto Rico, a small island, is endowed with rich natural ‘development’ only seems to have fostered restlessness resources its US territory suffers high rates of murders, Year and discontent. Then the question arises – is this the violence and unemployment. Likewise, materially among success and progress and development? the world's poorest people, Nigerians also encounter 50 What is the meaning of success? In a common State induced violence, lack of basic infrastructure, parlance, success is measured by materialist apathy and defunct government services. So, people in Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVII Issue II Version I possessions and position in the society where one can these nations are happiest despite being in violent and influence lives of others. More often than not, big unsecured environment. It implies that peace and houses, luxury cars, fat bank balance, and other items security does not guarantee happiness. showing aristocracy are considered the indicators of Education and health are the important success in the society. At an individual level, a person parameters of Human Development. The United Nations with plenty of money and materialistic possessions is human development report (2003) ranks Nigeria at considered ‘successful’, irrespective of the means to 152nd out of 175 countries, or 24th from the bottom for achieve the same or his/her state of happiness or life expectancy, health, education, standard of living, misery. Do these materialistic possessions actually give and literacy. It is quite interesting to note that happiness us happiness and contentment? is not linked to prosperity, peace, education, health or Looking at the macro level paradigm, nations life expectancy. Then, what is the magic ingredient that have been categorized into ‘developed’ and makes these countries the happiest in the world? ‘developing’ countries based on certain socio-economic Findings of the survey show that strong indicators. In this regard, Gross Domestic Product and community ties and shared living is what makes these per capita income become the indicators of being rich ‘poor’ (in terms of GDP and certain development and successful societies. And happiness – it is taken as indicators) nations the happiest countries in the world. fallout of being successful. Community living appears to hold the key for happiness among the inhabitants of these nations despite having a) Measuring success - challenges, sufferings and struggles. How much does material prosperity contribute Survey findings show that Puerto Ricans, to happiness? Hypothetically, the richest countries like Nigerians and Mexicans have lot of community festivals United States of America, most European countries, and celebration, ingrained in their culture that binds Australia, Canada, should be having the happiest them into strong sense of trust and we-feeling. Puerto people. However, the results are paradoxical. The New Rica has nearly 500 community festivals in a year. Scientist magazine from Britain (2003) conducted a Community celebrations, singing and dancing together, survey in 65 nations to rank the happiness. And the merry making, act as antidote to stresses, pains and survey found that the world's happiest countries with the sufferings the people of these countries experience most satisfied people are Puerto Rico and Mexico, and while living in harsh circumstances. The inter- those with the most optimistic people are Nigeria and dependence and shared living of these close knit Mexico. And the most powerful and richest nation the communities provide courage to its inhabitants to thrive USA is embarrassingly ranked 16th on the list. amidst adversity and poverty. Interestingly, the results of the survey defy the The findings above entail to break the popular conventional notion propagated and hyped by media notion that success is a prerequisite to happiness. Then, that puts material prosperity as a pre-requisite to what are the facilitators and inhibitors of happiness happiness. The GDP per capita in Puerto Rico is and/or success? Few research studies in this regard $16,800; in Mexico it is $9,000; in Nigeria it is merely may be looked into. Uchida, Norasakkunkit and $800 in contrast to the United States with GDP per Kitayama (2004) have noted that there are cultural © 2017 Global Journals Inc. (US)  Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work constructions of happiness and well-being. The authors of us is born with unique endowments, then how can we identified substantial cultural variations in shared all have singular and same meaning of success and meanings of happiness, motivations underlying happiness? happiness, and predictors of happiness. Specifically, in Mr. Ratan Tata, in his speech at Symbiosis, North American cultural contexts, happiness tends to be Pune, on July, 2015, said, “Don’t just have a career or defined in terms of personal achievement. In contrast, in academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, East Asian cultural milieu, interpersonal connectedness successful life. Balanced means ensuring your health, is what characterizes happiness. Moreover, happiness relationships, mental peace are all in good order. There is best predicted by perceived embeddedness of the is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your self in a social relationship. Likewise, Lu and Gilmour breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back (2004) have theorized that distinct and different hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of characteristics of the conceptions of happiness are tensions. Don’t take life seriously. Life is not meant to be prevalent in Asian and Euro-American cultures. For taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are Asians, socially oriented Subjective Well Being all like prepaid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, 2017 emphasizes role obligation and dialectical balance; for we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 Year Euro-Americans, individually oriented Subjective Well weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up?...It’s Being emphasizes personal accountability and explicit OK, bunk few classes, score low in couple of papers, pursuit. These studies somewhere answer the reason take leave from work, fall in love, fight a little with your why despite poor economy and State’s apathy, Puerto spouse…Its ok….we are people, not programmed 51 Ricans, Nigerians and Mexicans are ranked higher on devices…! “Don’t be serious, enjoy life as it comes”. Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVII Issue II Version I happiness index. It also provides insight to social Mr. Tata has raised a pertinent issue – if researchers and policy makers in designing success is not coupled with happiness, contentment interventions for real, authentic and sustainable and well-being, then it should not be a pursuable goal. success, progress and development, key to which lies in Happiness and well-being should be the crux of strong community ties. success. Happiness is an emotional state that shows Further, Kaushik (2005) finds that irrespective of our satisfaction with life. It is a measure of our quality of their financial conditions, sense of security and well- life. Psychologists and philosophers have asserted that being among elderly women in Delhi, depends on their happiness is the most fundamental motivation for all relationships with their family members. Thus, an aged human actions. It is the hedonistic principle and our lady in rugs is contented with amicable and loving family ultimate goal in life – to be happy. relationships while another elderly lady with crores of Surprisingly, if questioned, most of us would property feels insecure and grumpy, having incongruent maintain that our race for material prosperity is in fact to relations with significant others. In the same wavelength, achieve greater happiness. We strive to attain material Chan and Lee (2006) observe that older persons with a success as we believe that it would bring us more larger network are happier and that social support plays pleasure and satisfaction. a mediating role. On similar lines, Lu and Argyle (1991), So, what is success? Do material possessions through series of experiments conclude that make us successful? Results of several studies, as cooperativeness is one of the important determinants of delineated above, raise doubts over the very notion of - happiness. Kim, Sherman and Taylor (2008) note that success. Many of us do believe that money is the main social support is one of the most effective means by measure of success, because of the materialistic nature which people can cope with stressful events. They of society. Even the mental agony suffered and negative observe that Asians and Asian Americans are more behavioural dispositions of the affluent and the rich are reluctant to explicitly ask for support from close others readily overlooked under the shine of their ‘success’ and than are European Americans because they are more prosperity. Seemingly two aspects need to be concerned about the potentially negative relational understood in this regard – consequences of such behaviors. One, studies have shown that culture plays a Thus, the survey concludes that once our basic critical role in determining the notion of success in that needs for survival are met, our happiness and quality of society. The Market or the culture of consumerism has life is largely determined by the quality of our personal been continuously bombarding us with the messages relationships – with ourselves, our partner, family, friends that our happiness lies in materialistic possessions (see: and community. Goldberg, 2006). It is the Market that is creating demand Osho quotes, “Who will you call a success – for consumer goods and making us believe that Alexander the Great or Jesus the Crucified”. It has ‘success’ is the pre-requisite for happiness. And we become imperative for us to ask this question to cannot be successful and hence happy till the time we ourselves, what success means to us. Moreover, it also ‘achieve’ and ‘own’ certain material possessions. Thus, implies that one should carve out one’s own definition of the Market culture creates an inner discontent and success, rather than ‘others’ defining it for us. Each one convinces us that we can ‘buy’ happiness and that © 20 17 Global Journals Inc. (US)  Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work wealth is the path to permanent fulfillment and well- products. The chase of materialistic acquisitions cannot being. We hardly realize that this inner discontent cannot fulfill our inner loneliness; rather the stress encountered be fulfilled with material possessions. takes a heavy toll of our health. Social work profession We look to external things to try to alleviate our can and should play crucial role in deconstructing inner discontent. Materialism certainly can give us a kind ‘success’, whose indicators are set by the Market. of happiness - the temporary thrill of buying something Sensitizing, cognitive restructuring, behavior new, and the ego-inflating thrill of owning it afterwards. modification techniques, are some of the strategies that And we use this kind of happiness to try to override - or can be helpful in dealing with compulsive thoughts and compensate for - the fundamental unhappiness inside behaviours related to lopsided materialistic success. us. Drawing from the findings of research studies Coming to the second aspect, quite showing strong linkage between community ties and paradoxically, the race to material possession is endless happiness, social work professionals may work for – it ‘seems to’ provide happiness (in future) but actually harmonious familial and neighbourhood relations. it doesn’t. Material success does bring happiness, but Shared activities in the community and mobilizing and 2017 the amount of happiness gained makes only a small institutionalizing people’s participation are some of the contribution to our feeling of wellbeing. Dr. Michael aspects of harmonious community and social relations, Year Fordyce describes this phenomenon as the "happiness which social workers can focus upon. The byproduct of law of diminishing returns" which states that these interventions would ensure happiness. 52 achievement in any area of life adds to happiness only Further, lopsided success characterized by up to a certain point. For instance, even slight raise in principles of consumerism has led to indiscriminate Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVII Issue II Version I salary, when one’s income is quite low, may add to exploitation of natural resources like rivers and forests one’s personal happiness but once he/she reaches a that has precipitated an accelerating environmental median income level, each increase in income produces crisis and serious decline of the eco-system. To save an ever diminishing level of additional happiness for our planet, we require a balanced notion of success. A his/her efforts. growing body of research is demonstrating that as we Thus, evidences fail to show any correlation become happier and healthier (physically as well as between wealth and happiness, though it may appear emotionally) we become more compassionate and start to. Studies have shown that once our basic material caring more about others (including ecological needs are satisfied, our level of income makes little concerns). With happiness, we start healing our difference to our level of happiness. Researchers in relationships with ourselves first, followed by our family, positive psychology have concluded that true well-being community, humanity and the ecosystem. Happy people does not come from wealth but from other factors such naturally care about others. On the contrary, unhappy as good relationships, meaningful and challenging jobs people do not connect naturally – rather, they feel or hobbies, and a sense of connection to something alienated and separated from others, nature and the bigger than ourselves (such as a religion, a political or world. Social work profession along with other human social cause, or a sense of mission). service professions may work on improving intra- So, time has come to redefine success. The personal, inter-personal and social relationships, which noted physician and spiritual guru, Dr. Deepak Chopra can realign people on the path of true success. - defines it as, “Success in life can be defined as the Another significant aspect that must be looked continued expansion of happiness and the progressive into is the seed of frustration and violence is inherent in realization of worthy goals. There are many aspects of the notion of ‘success’. It is the intrinsic characteristic of success; material wealth is only one of them. Moreover, success that only a few reach to the destination while success is a journey, not a destination. Material most fail. The failed ones are clasped with frustration abundance in all its expressions; happens to make the and despair. And, since only the successful people are journey more enjoyable, but success includes good appreciated and respected whereas the failures receive health, energy, enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, rejection, ridicule and isolation, ends become more creative freedom, and a sense of well-being”. important than means. In their quest for success, people This is the holistic definition of success that do not hesitate in using different methods, and all too integrates various facets of life and calls for balance or often, these means are aggressive and harsh. For the equilibrium. Chasing materialistic gains at the cost of sake of selfish gains, many people commit terrible health and/or love relationships in life cannot bring us cruelties and sufferings upon their fellow-beings. In the happiness. The corporate infuse huge resources in modern world, perhaps we have forgotten values of advertising their products that tend to define our needs interdependence, shared living, cooperation, and such and aims of life. These advertisements seep deeply in others as competition, independence and personal our unconscious mind and we start believing that there achievement have taken over. For attaining success is no happiness in life without the possession of the (which would provide happiness), we assume that luxury car, the big house and other limitless items and winning through the cut-throat competition, race against © 2017 Global Journals Inc. (US)  Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work time, selfish focus are crucial. However, research Third, related to the above one, is the Law of studies mentioned above claim otherwise – community Karma or cause and effect. Every day, in our lives, we ties, social support and amicable personal relationships make choices and oftentimes this decision-making is are ingredients of happiness. unconsciously. As an instance, a story from the life of For achieving true success which brings Gautam Buddha may be cited here. A man came to happiness and contentment and is not at the cost of Gautam Buddha and started abusing him. The Buddha others’ happiness, renowned surgeon and spiritual calmly and patiently listened and after a while asked leader Dr. Deepak Chopra delineates seven (spiritual) him, “brother! Do you have to say anything else”? The laws of success. Details are as below: man got bewildered and uttered, “I rebuked and abused The first one is the Law of Pure Potentiality you, why are you not using harsh words against me”? which depicts the power of our inner being or The Buddha replied, “It is my choice… whether to react consciousness or the power of our spirit. In common or not, whether to accept your abusive words or not..”. parlance, we identify with our false image or the ego. Most of us would have reacted, whether overtly and And, the ego is dependent on others’ perceptions about silently, creating much of grief inside us. So, witnessing 2017 us. It thrives on the approval of others. It wants to control the choices we make every moment and examining Year because it lives in fear. The modern day notion of these choices, evaluating the consequences of these success, which is mad race for materialistic choices and making conscious choices would make us possessions and external power, is linked to the ego. It free from the compulsive reactions and negative thinking is dependent on selfish motives, competition and patterns. 53 proving oneself the best. But the ego is merely the Fourth one is Law of Least Effort. It includes Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XVII Issue II Version I social mask and not who we really are. The need for complete acceptance of people, circumstances and approval, the need to control things, and the need for events as they are in this moment. We exhaust lot of external power are fear based. This kind of power is not energy in resisting, cribbing and reacting when the power of pure potentiality. Chopra (2008) quotes, “If situations go adverse. Acceptance saves that energy you want to reach a state of bliss – make a decision to which can then be utilized in finding creative solutions. relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved One component of this law is taking every hurdle as and the need to judge”. The more we connect with our opportunity. History is full of numerous examples where ‘real self’ the more we are able to experience and use common people have achieved success by converting the law of pure potentiality. For this, practicing non- their adversities into opportunities. A small American judgmental attitude is required as through the lens of businessman had an adhesive making factory. Once ego we judge others. Mindfulness is the key to self- due to inappropriate proportion of chemicals mixed, knowledge, which can go a long way in making us made the adhesive far less sticky than the desired capable enough to use our inner potential. Engaged in levels. This created the fear of huge loss to the ruthless competition, often, we fail to cherish little joys of company. The owner got the idea of making ‘stick-on’ the nature. Connecting with nature not only makes us strips. And he earned profits multiple times than the healthier but also happier. It is easier to be ‘silent’ and usual rate. This is one small example of changing away from the constant chattering of the mind when one hurdles into stepping stones. is connected with the nature. Law of Intention and Desire is the fifth one that The second one is the Law of giving and focuses on ‘attention’. It claims that whatever we put our - receiving. Since our childhood, we are taught ‘whatever attention on grows stronger in our life and vice versa. It you sow, so shall you reap’. This is based on the fact also stresses on ‘creative thinking’. If we focus on that everything in the universe operates through positive aspects of life, remove thoughts of failure, pain, dynamic exchange. Love begets love. If you want despair, from our mind, success becomes all the more a appreciation give appreciation. While running behind the predictable event in our lives. Thoughts are very success, we often create hatred and enmity against our powerful. They are often taken as the seeds of reality. competitors or anyone posing hurdles in the way of our Negative thoughts add to the problems and challenges goals. Seeds of hostility breed much of aggression and while positive thinking makes us more creative, happy antagonism filling our life with sufferings and pains. On and more close to our destination or success. the other hand, if our heart is filled with love and Sixth one is the Law of Detachment. Here, happiness, we radiate with positive energy, joy and practicing detachment means freeing oneself from the ecstasy. Social work professionals can help in myriad of attachments of the results of our actions. Detachment ways in promoting mutual respect and positive regard, helps us remain calm and composed and even accept amicable relationships at workplace and inculcating uncertainty as it means staying alert to the opportunity values of love, care and compassion. In fact, instilling within every problem by letting go of your idea of how sense of gratitude among people, which is very simple things should be. In one’s willingness to accept but very powerful application, can help in creating a uncertainty, solutions spontaneously appear. It also loving and caring community. means enjoying mystery and magic of pure potentiality. © 20 17 Global Journals Inc. (US)  Redefining Success: Role and Scope of Social Work Lastly, the Law of Dharma or Purpose in Life seeks to 3. Goldberg, Carey (2006) Materialism is bad for you. discover one’s unique talents, divinity and serve Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/ humanity with the expression of these talents. When health/08iht-snmat.html?_r=0 one’s creative expressions match the needs of fellow 4. Kaushik Archana (2005) Elderly Women in humans, wealth spontaneously flows. It may be Megapolis. New Delhi: Concept Publishers. reiterated that oftentimes, we learn the faulty meaning of 5. Kim, Heejung S.; Sherman, David K.; Taylor, Shelley success based upon the competition and struggle, E. (2008). Culture and social support. American creating antagonism and rivalry. And then we set goals Psychologist, Vol 63(6), 518-526. Retrieved from of life to achieve success by acquiring materialistic http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X gains – big bungalow, cars, luxuries and power to 6. Lu, Luo and Argyle, Michael (1991) Happiness and control others. Though seemingly few of us may achieve cooperation. Journal of Personality and Individual our goals but internally we fail terribly as we get Differences, Volume 12, Issue 10, 1991, Pages disconnected with true meaning and purpose of life – 1019-1030 world hardly remembers rich and wealthy people but 7. Lu, Luo and Gilmour, Robin (2004) Culture and 2017 those who devote their life for the well-being of conceptions of happiness: individual oriented humanity. and social oriented subjective well-being. Journal Year Thus, the above discussion shows that success of Happiness Studies, September 2004, Volume and happiness can go hand in hand rather than the 5, Issue 3, pp 269-291 54 popular myth that happiness follows success. It also 8. Tata, Ratan (2015). Speech given at Symbiosis, falsifies the idea that a few win or succeed at the cost of Pune, on July 2015, accessed at http:// pgschool. Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVII Issue II Version I others – that life offers dichotomous and opposite gtu.ac.in/ moodle/ blog/ index. php? entryid=121 aspects of success and failure. Happiness is holistic 9. Tugend A, 2013, "A Call for a Movement to Redefine and is felt by remaining connected with nature, with the Successful Life", Accessed at http://www. fellow beings, and not preoccupied by rigid mental nytimes.com/2013/06/15/your-money/a-call-for-a- frameworks of how the life ‘should be’. movement-to-redefine-the-successful-life.html?_r=0 Social workers are considered as the ‘doctors 10. Uchida, Yukiko; Norasakkunkit, Vinai and Kitayama, of relationships’. Though a gigantic task, social workers Shinobu (2004). Cultural constructions of can and should redefine meaning of happiness and happiness: theory and empirical evidence, success. This newly defined success is based on Journal of Happiness Studies, September nurturance of human relationship, love, care, 2004, Volume 5, Issue 3, pp 223-239 interdependence rather than mad race after materialism. Here, happiness is not the byproduct but one of the ingredients of success. While the popular belief of . success indirectly results in aggression, cruelty and exploitation, this new notion of success is not only cost effective but also a way to get rid of violence, torture and abuse. It is the real and true meaning of success, which is natural and sustainable. For achieving this, social - workers are required to work on reviving the culture of strong community ties and cultivating love and respect, care and support among individuals, groups and communities. Tint of spirituality in social work practice would help in finding ‘real’ solutions of human problems. Lastly, in the words of Charlie Chaplin, “You need power (and success), only when you want to do something harmful, otherwise, love is enough to get everything done”. References Références Referencias 1. Chan, Y. K. and Lee, Rance, P.L. (2006) Network Size, Social Support and Happiness in Later Life: A Comparative Study of Beijing and Hong Kong. Journal of Happiness Studies, March 2006, Volume 7, Issue 1, pp 87-112 2. Chopra, Deepak (2008) The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Thomson Press: New Delhi © 2017 Global Journals Inc. (US)