Chapter 8: A Reconstructed Theory of Structural Social Work Flashcards
We often use ________ in our everyday lives without even being aware that we are doing so
theories
Sears and Cains point out that our thoughts and actions are based on 3 points, what are they?
- Set of assumptions about the way the world works
- Our own experiences
- Generalizing from past experiences
What are the 3 alternative sources of knowledge?
Logic, Tradition, and authority
Some beliefs are ____-_______ and logical
self-evident
Some beliefs just make ______
sense
Unfortunately, logic can lead us to some beliefs that are just ______ ______
plain wrong
Logic and common sense have led to some costly errors - what were the two examples talked about in class?
Scared Straight and the DARE program
Some beliefs and ideas are accepted in our culture and generally not __________ or ___________
questioned; challenged
Traditions may promote ___________ and continue oppression of some members of society
stereotypes
Other knowledge is gained through deference to _________ _______
authority figures
Unfortunately, people in authority are also subject to ____ and __________ experience
bias; limited
What can logic, tradition, and authority do that may negatively impact us? (There is 3)
- Affect our judgement
- Cause us to draw erroneous conclusions
- Promote faulty stereotypes and generalizations about people
The ________ _______ is a way of thinking about and investigating assumptions
scientific method
The scientific method is most likely to help us do our jobs as social workers most ___________
effectively
New social work graduates are often described as ______, _________ and in need of __________
naive, idealistic; seasoning (practical experience)
Researchers often feel that ______________ do not understand research or the value and use of it
practitioners
Both ________ ______ and ____________ frameworks are needed for effective social work practice
practice wisdom; scientific
The ___________/_________ alternative is a way of thinking about and investigating assumptions, biases, beliefs, and values
theoretical/scientific
According to Howe (1987), theoretical ignorance as a professional virtue is wrong because:
- Theory is part of everyday life—we all use theory. (So the question becomes, where did our personal theory come from? Logic? Tradition? Authority? Does it promote social justice?)
- Theoretical ignorance leads to malpractice: It is a convenient excuse for sloppy and dishonest practice.
Everyone (including social workers) sees people and their situation in ______ ____ or _______
one way; another
No perceptions are theory-free because they are based on certain fundamental beliefs and assumptions about _______, ______, and the relationship between the two
people, society
Just because a social worker cannot imagine any other way of viewing a situation does not mean that their perspective is ___________ ___ _______
unrelated to theory
Structural social work is part of a school of social theory known as _________ ______
critical theory
Critical theory provides _________ and _________ to traditional, mainstream social theory, philosophy and science
criticisms; alternatives
Critical theory is motivated by an interest in the ___________ of those who are oppressed, informed by a critique of _________, and is driven by a goal of _________
emancipation; domination; liberation
Critical theory- and therefore structural social work- is dependent on _________ _______
critical thinking
Without thinking, one may go through life _________ to one’s conditions and others
oblivious
Critical thinking is not merely thinking. It is the __________ _______ of understanding one’s thoughts and articulating them
comprehensive practice
Critical thinking requires us to not only strive to understand our own thinking, but also understand the _________ __________ of others
diverse thinking
What are the two questions that are fundamental to structural social work and that would elicit disagreement among social workers?
- Should structural social workers stay inside or outside the social welfare system?
- Should structural social workers concentrate on changing people’s consciousness as a prerequisite to social change or do they concentrate on changing structural patterns as a prerequisite to changing people’s consciousness?
The concept of _________ is an essential component of structural social work
dialectics
Dialectics help social work avoid the construction of ______ _________ that have been a part of social with tradition
false dichotomies
Dialectical analysis is based on a view of society and social processes as containing _________ ______ that must be unravelled and understood
contradictory opposites
Rather than forcing one approach to social change, structural social work needs to _______ _____
advance both
As discussed in Chapter 9, oppression leads to ______________
powerlessness
___________ is understood as a processes through which people reduce their powerlessness and gain greater control over their environment
Empowerment
Empowerment is a series of attacks on _______________
subordination
What are the 5 practical steps on empowerment according to Moreau and Leonard (1989)?
- Sharing with clients the content of case notes.
- Directly involving clients in decisions that affect them.
- Reducing the social distance between worker and service user by use of self-disclosure, casual dress, giving the rationale for techniques, use of first names, direct clear speech, and body language.
- Sharing with clients one’s personal biases and limits as part of the “helping” contract.
- Providing information on the role of the agency and the rights of the client and letting them know the worker is there to serve them.
