The 4 Pillars

Question 1

What are the Four Key Pillars?

Answer 1

1. Social change/Social Justice Mandate
2. Problem Solving
3. Person-in-Environment
4. Empowerment

Question 2

Pillar 1: Social Change/Social Justice

Answer 2

• Working in solidarity with individuals who are disadvantaged or marginalized.
• Eliminating barriers, inequities and injustices.
• Can you give me examples of any groups or individuals who might be at a disadvantage or at the margins of the larger society?
• Poor and homeless individuals
• Victims of child abuse
• Victims of domestic violence
• Aboriginal people
• Ethnic minorities
• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• LGBTQ individuals
• Can you give examples of injustice or inequities faced by such individuals or groups?
• Barriers in personal & professional growth
• Unequal access to resources (e.g., jobs)
• Voices and opinions are not heard
• Blaming of victims
• Stigma, stereotypes and prejudices
• Discrimination (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia)
• Oppression (e.g., exploitation, violence)

Question 3

Pillar 2: Problem Solving

Answer 3

Personal Issues- Mental health, Addictions, Disability

Interpersonal Issues- Intimate Partner violence, Conflict with co-weorker

Familial Issues- Caregiver Burden, Family dysfunction and discord

For instance,
• Poverty, a structural issue, can result into mental health problems, intimate partner violence, family dysfunction, classism, and communal violence.
• Exploration of issue(s) or concerns
• Identification of needs and goals.
• Identification of barriers in meeting those needs and goals.
• Development of plan of action
• Removal or reduction in barriers.
• Movement towards goals/needs.
• Involvement of client(s) at every stage.
• Empowerment of clients.

Question 4

Pillar 3: Person-in-Environment

Answer 4

• Distinct from other helping professions.
• Internal and external factors.
• Situate the personal problems within broader environment (i.e., context).

Question 5

Pillar 4: Empowerment

Answer 5

• Being empowered means feeling that one has power and control over the course of life.
• Increasing personal, interpersonal and political power.
• Power can be an internal belief and feeling that one can make a difference.
• Three aspects of social work practice:
• Equalize relationship with the client
• Enable clients see the potential for controlling their lives.
• Support clients in their efforts to understand the power relationship in their life and their efforts to gain control over their lives.
• Focus upon “strengths” as opposed to “deficiencies” and “pathologies”.